By Canadian Press

The bridge that links Russia to Crimea is key to supplying the Ukraine war and for asserting control

Jul 17, 2023 | 6:29 AM

The bridge connecting Russia-annexed Crimea and Russia carries heavy significance for Moscow both logistically and psychologically, as a key artery for Russian military and civilian supplies bound for Crimea and as an assertion of Russia’s control of the peninsula.

An explosion that hit the bridge before dawn on Monday, killing a couple and seriously injuring their daughter, left a span of the roadway hanging perilously. The damage initially appeared to be less severe than that caused by a blast in October, but highlighted the bridge’s vulnerability.

Russia blamed Ukraine for both Monday’s blast and the October explosion. A spokesman for the Ukrainian Security Service on Monday did not directly acknowledge responsibility but said the service would reveal details about organizing the blast once Ukraine achieves victory in the war.

A CRITICAL CONNECTION

The Crimean peninsula extends south from Ukraine’s mainland, with road connections on two isthmuses, one of which is less that two kilometers (one mile) wide, and by a bridge from a narrow spit. All three connections to Ukraine go into territory occupied by Russian forces that come under attack from the Ukrainian military.

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The bridge, which connects Crimea’s eastern extremity with Russia’s Krasnodar region, provides the only fixed link that steers clear of hotly disputed territory.

The 19-kilometer (12-mile) bridge over the Kerch Strait that links the Black and Azov seas carries both road and rail traffic on separate sections and is vital to sustaining Russia’s military operations in southern Ukraine.

A SYMBOLIC STRUCTURE

The bridge is the longest in Europe and a subject of considerable pride in Russia. Construction began in 2016, about two years after Russia annexed Crimea, and was completed in little more than two years. The pace of construction was impressive, but led some critics to question whether it was hastily designed and built.

The bridge was built despite strong objections from Ukraine and is the most visible and constant reminder of Russia’s claim that Crimea is legitimately Russian.

President Vladimir Putin drove across the bridge at its formal opening. Putin is also closely connected to construction tycoon Arkady Rotenberg, whose company got the $3.5 billion contract for the bridge.

CONSEQUENCES OF THE ATTACK

Rail traffic on the bridge was reportedly restored within a few hours on Monday but it was unclear when full road service could be restored. Ferries were being organized to to try to ease the burden, but it was not immediately clear whether the vessels could accommodate demand. Crimea’s beaches and mountains are popular with summer tourists.

Russian authorities advised people who wanted to quickly depart Crimea to go via Russian-controlled territory in Ukraine. That would add as much as 600 kilometers (350 miles) to their journey and likely raise travelers’ anxiety about journeying in insecure areas.

Russian officials denounced Monday’s explosion but did not immediately specify retaliation measures, although Russia has responded with cruise missiles and drone barrages to other Ukrainian attacks.

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Follow AP’s coverage of the war in Ukraine: https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine

The Associated Press