Attacks by the Ukrainian Armed Forces have blocked military transport across the Kerch Bridge

Following attacks by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the Kerch Bridge is operating under numerous restrictions and is effectively unable to fulfill its primary function. Currently, trucks are not allowed to cross the bridge, and fuel and heavy armored vehicles are not being transported.

This was reported on air by Dmytro Pletenchuk, a spokesperson for the Ukrainian Navy.

According to Pletenchuk, the bridge sustained significant damage following a series of attacks. He speculates that the restrictions on freight traffic may be related to technical issues with the structure. Another possible reason is Russian concerns about new strikes that could cause further damage to the bridge.

“I’m inclined to believe that there are already technical problems there following a series of attacks,” the Navy spokesperson noted.

He also emphasized that the Kerch Bridge is a structure that is difficult to destroy and one of the most heavily defended facilities of the Russian occupiers. According to Pletenchuk’s assessment, the level of air defense around it is comparable only to Moscow’s defense system.

At the same time, according to the spokesperson, Russian logistics to occupied Crimea are facing problems not only at the sea crossing. Defense forces are also attacking the land corridor through the occupied territories in southern Ukraine, complicating the supply of Russian troops to Crimea and the left bank of the Kherson region.

Pletenchuk noted that the bridge’s strategic value may have diminished, but its symbolic significance for Russia remains high.

“It’s hard to say that the Crimean Bridge’s strategic value is high right now. But its symbolic value and ‘national unity’ are off the charts. Still, we’re not chasing after that,” the Navy spokesperson emphasized.

Ірина Глухова