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On Monday, forces from Ukraine launched an attack on the Crimean Bridge, a crucial link connecting mainland Russia to Crimea. The bridge was illegally annexed by Moscow in 2014 and has been under their occupation since. The attack, carried out by Ukrainian navy and special forces using drone boats during the night, resulted in two fatalities. This marks the second time that the bridge has been targeted during the conflict, underscoring its significance to both Ukraine and Russia. In October, a truck explosion caused significant damage to the bridge, leading to months of repair work. At the time, a Ukrainian official claimed that it was orchestrated by their special forces.
The Crimean Bridge, also known as the Kerch Bridge, is a remarkable 12-mile infrastructure project worth $3.7 billion. It consists of two parallel tracks, one for road traffic with four lanes and another for a two-lane rail line. This structure connects mainland Russia to Crimea, a peninsula that was annexed by Russian President Vladimir Putin from Ukraine in 2014. It holds the distinction of being the longest bridge in Europe.
With a population of 2 million people, Crimea is located between the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, protruding from the southern part of mainland Ukraine. Following the annexation, Moscow conducted a disputed referendum to justify their claim that the majority of residents wished to become part of Russia. However, the international community largely recognizes Crimea as Ukrainian territory, with only a few countries acknowledging Russian sovereignty over it. The control of Crimea provided Russia with a strategic base for their invasion of Ukraine, and it allowed them to enforce a naval blockade during the war.
The Kerch Bridge is of great importance to Putin and serves as a prestigious infrastructure project for him. It not only serves as a driving route to Crimea but also caters to Russian tourists who visit the peninsula for summer vacations. This attack occurred during the peak of the holiday season.
The bridge itself is situated between Crimea and Russia’s Taman peninsula, bordering Ukraine’s southern Kherson region. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine aimed to create a “land bridge” by illegally occupying and annexing four Ukrainian regions along the southeast border. This is part of their broader campaign to exert control and influence over the region.
The bridge holds historical significance for Putin, who personally inaugurated it in 2018 with great fanfare. Western nations condemned its construction as a violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty. The United States even imposed sanctions on companies involved in the project and related individuals. Putin entrusted the costly construction to his longtime friend and judo partner, Arkady Rotenberg.
Strategically and militarily, the Crimean Bridge is vital for the Kremlin. Previously, it served as the only road and rail link between Russia and occupied Crimea until Russian forces invaded southeastern Ukrainian territory. It also acts as a critical military supply route for Russian bases in the occupied territories. Symbolically, the bridge represents Putin’s ability to realize major infrastructure projects and his vision of restoring Russia’s former glory. It also exemplifies Russia’s ambitions to exert control over Ukraine and solidify its claim to Crimea.
In summary, the recent attack on the Crimean Bridge highlights the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. The bridge serves as a crucial link between the two regions and holds strategic, military, and symbolic value for both sides.
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