Russians pack Crimean Bridge with air defense systems, build mysterious structure
Russia continues to deploy air defense systems on the Crimean bridge (Russian media)
Russia continues to deploy air defense systems to the Crimean Bridge, even using exhibition models. In addition, the occupiers are constructing a "mysterious structure" at the crossing, according to Ukrainian Navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk.
"They are pulling resources from everywhere. And they are packing Crimea with air defense systems. They are trying to maintain the image of an 'unsinkable aircraft carrier,' as they occasionally call it. So yes, their main goal is, first and foremost, to keep the option to use this stronghold for launching missiles and to continue using Crimea as a military base," he said.
Additionally, as Pletenchuk noted, the occupiers want to continue using Crimea as a logistics chain to supply their southern grouping.
"Previously, the key role in this was played by the ferry, but now it’s the Crimean Bridge since ferries are not operating. And even though the bridge cannot handle all the logistics, the Russians are still trying to protect it as much as possible for obvious reasons. It’s a symbol, and we shouldn't forget that the Crimean Bridge also supports an energy line for Crimea, not to mention the supply of everyday goods and fuel," he added.
Pletenchuk mentioned that various air defense systems can be seen on the Crimean Bridge, including exhibition complexes.
Construction of 'mysterious structure'
Commenting on the construction of a "mysterious structure" on the Kerch crossing, Pletenchuk described it as another obstacle.
"It’s hard to understand exactly what Russia is building because the storm season is ahead, and frankly, the structure doesn’t look substantial. However, in any case, it is another barrier that could protect against potential drone attacks, or it may be used as a parallel crossing since they are constructing it in the form of a bridge. But I think that we might not even see it this season due to the storms," the spokesperson concluded.
Current situation with Crimean Bridge
The Crimean Bridge is an illegally constructed crossing by Russia following its occupation of Crimea in 2014. Spanning 19 kilometers, it connects the peninsula with mainland Russia.
Ukraine has long considered the Crimean Bridge a legitimate target for strikes. There have already been two attacks: on October 8, 2022, and July 17, 2023. In April 2024, The Guardian reported that Ukraine’s intelligence service was preparing a third strike on the Crimean Bridge.
Fearing a new attack, Russians are trying to protect the Crimean Bridge. At the end of July, it was reported that the occupiers had installed a second line of boom barriers near the Kerch Bridge, consisting of 21 barges.
