Is Crimean Bridge destruction necessary to liberate peninsula? Navy responds
Photo: Oleksii Neizhpapa, Commander of the Ukrainian Navy (Getty Images)
To liberate the occupied Crimea, the Crimean Bridge must be destroyed, as it is an element of logistics. All Russian military logistics must be destroyed for victory, says the Commander of the Ukrainian Navy Oleksii Neizhpapa in an interview with journalist Natalia Moseichuk.
Responding to a question about whether the entry of Ukrainian ships into Sevastopol is a realistic goal, he says "It's like in the Russian song - 'I know that the impossible is possible.' Of course, it can't be otherwise. I have already said that we must go all the way."
But to liberate Crimea, it is necessary to destroy the Crimean Bridge.
"The Crimean Bridge is a logistics chain that works for the aggressor. And all logistics chains for victory must be neutralized. So, of course, there is such a goal. Probably not to the extent (providing military supplies - Ed.) as in 2022, because it was hit. But it still remains a supply chain for the occupation forces," Neizhpapa added.
What is known about the plans for the Crimean Bridge
In May, The Independent reported that after repeated attacks, Russia stopped supplying weapons to its troops via the Crimean Bridge. It switched to using land routes through occupied territory.
In this regard, Navy spokesman Dmytro Pletenchuk said in an interview with RBC-Ukraine that the bridge no longer has such great tactical-strategic significance for the Russians and its elimination will not give the desired effect.
"Because it is almost not used for military logistics. Less than a quarter of the total load is carried by this bridge. The rest goes by ferry, which was recently struck," he said.
Nevertheless, the issue of destroying the bridge is still being discussed. Defense intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov said that it could be destroyed by long-range ATACMS missiles if they are provided to Ukraine in sufficient quantities.
ISW analysts believe that the destruction of the bridge will complicate the Russian occupation of Crimea.
