For Kiev, the Crimean Bridge symbolizes Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea. Its destruction would boost the Ukrainian campaign to liberate Crimea and boost the morale of the troops and the Ukrainian population.
LOOK. Drone hits Crimean Bridge
The Ukrainian army was able to cause serious damage to the bridge in two previous attempts. Road and train traffic across the bridge is regularly disrupted by the threat of new attacks.
Russia has now taken extensive measures to protect the bridge, including strengthening anti-aircraft defenses and sinking ships in the vicinity of the bridge. Opinions differ to what extent this ‘blockship’ strategy is effective.
LOOK. Russia sinks ships to protect Crimean bridge
The HUR thinks it can quickly disable the bridge. “We will do it in the first half of 2024,” an official told The Guardian, adding that Kyrylo Budanov, the intelligence chief, already has “the means to achieve this goal.”
Officials believe that permanently damaging the bridge would significantly limit the Kremlin’s ability to carry out a spring offensive, as Moscow would then be forced to move military supplies by road through occupied southern Ukraine, or via a new 700 km railway line under construction. Kiev has also set itself the goal of preventing Russia from completing the construction of the railway.
Tags: Ukraine plans attempt blow Crimean bridge Destruction inevitable War Ukraine Russia
