The Crimean Bridge, a critical lifeline connecting Russia to the annexed Crimean peninsula, has become a “significant security burden” for Russia, necessitating multifaceted protection measures, according to a report released by the UK’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) today.
The MoD’s latest update reveals that, despite assurances from Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin that damage resulting from Ukraine’s July strike on the Crimean Bridge had been repaired, the bridge’s operational status remains restricted.
This vital link, which has faced multiple attacks during the ongoing conflict, represents the sole direct connection between Russia’s transportation network and the disputed Crimean territory.
The report underlines the bridge’s pivotal role in sustaining Russia’s occupation of Crimea and its military presence in southern Ukraine.
However, it highlights that it now poses a substantial security challenge that demands comprehensive protection measures.
The Ministry’s assessment outlines a range of measures needed to secure the bridge, encompassing the deployment of air defence systems and personnel who would otherwise be allocated to other critical areas.
The report also emphasises that Russian security forces’ confidence in their ability to safeguard this massive and vulnerable structure is continually undermined by the resourcefulness of Ukraine’s military and security services.
The MoD report reads: “The Crimean bridge will remain a vital link in sustaining Russia’s occupation of Crimea and its forces in southern Ukraine.
“However, it is now almost certainly a significant security burden requiring multi-domain protection, including the use of air defence systems and crews who would otherwise be deployed elsewhere.
“Russian security forces confidence in their ability to protect this large and vulnerable structure will continue to be threatened by the ingenuity of Ukraine’s military and security services.”
