In a recent development, two Ukrainian missiles have reportedly targeted the crucial bridge that connects Russia to the annexed Crimean peninsula, according to a statement from Moscow. The bridge, known as the Kerch bridge, has been subject to unverified video footage circulating on social media platforms, depicting plumes of smoke rising near the bridge’s vicinity.
Russia’s defense ministry has asserted that the missiles used in the alleged attack were S-200 missiles, which were effectively shot down and caused no damage to the bridge. However, Ukraine has yet to officially comment on the purported attack.
This is not the first instance of such an attack on the Kerch Bridge. Over the past few months, there have been at least two other reported attacks targeting the same bridge, further escalating tensions in the region.
The Kerch bridge, a vital infrastructure that was inaugurated in 2018, plays a significant role in facilitating both road and rail travel between Russia and Crimea. The Crimean peninsula was annexed by Russia back in 2014, leading to an international dispute and condemnation from various nations. The bridge has since served as a critical supply route for Russian forces stationed in the southern parts of Ukraine.
Russia’s defense ministry has indicated that the alleged attack occurred on a Saturday, around 13:00 local time (10:00 GMT). The missiles used in the attack were identified as S-200s, which are guided, Cold War-era surface-to-air weapons originally designed to target enemy aircraft. However, in this instance, they appear to have been adapted for ground-attack purposes.
In response to the incident, Russia’s foreign ministry issued a statement condemning the alleged attack, referring to it as “barbaric actions” that will not go unanswered. The situation has raised concerns about the already heightened tensions between Ukraine and Russia, with potential implications for the broader geopolitical landscape.
The international community will be closely watching the developments surrounding this incident, as it could potentially impact the fragile stability of the region and have far-reaching consequences for the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict.
Quoting the BBC’s reporting on the matter, the situation remains fluid and ongoing investigations are underway to determine the accuracy of the claims made by Moscow regarding the attack on the Kerch bridge.