According to Navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk, Russia is constructing a new structure near the Crimean Bridge, but its purpose is currently unknown. Pletenchuk stated on national television on Sept. 26 that the construction is unlikely to be completed this season. He also mentioned that it could be a defense structure or another crossing, but it is too early to make any conclusions.
The construction of the 19-kilometer-long bridge began after the illegal occupation of Crimea in 2014 and was finished in 2018. It connects the Russian mainland with the Russian-occupied Crimean peninsula and has become a crucial supply route for Russian forces during their invasion of Ukraine.
Pletenchuk also noted that the deteriorating weather conditions as winter approaches will make it challenging to complete the structure, regardless of its purpose. He added that Russia has a history of attempting to build various structures in the Kerch Strait, but they often end up being destroyed by storms.
The Crimean Bridge has been heavily damaged by Ukrainian strikes in the past, and Russian proxies have fortified it with underwater barriers. The bridge is also frequently shut down by Russian proxy authorities amid reports of explosions and drone strikes.
The Ukrainian Navy believes that destroying the Crimean Bridge now would not have the same impact as before, as Russia does not rely on it for military purposes anymore. However, Vasyl Maliuk, head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), warned that Russia may use the structure for weapons supplies again after it is fully restored.
The Crimean Bridge is currently the subject of a dispute between Ukraine and Russia at the Permanent Court of Arbitration. During a hearing on Sept. 23, Ukrainian Ambassador-at-Large Anton Korynevych accused Russia of wanting to control the Sea of Azov and Kerch Strait by building the bridge. He also stated that the bridge is unlawful and must be taken down.
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