Overnight Russian shelling of Odesa was “revenge” for Crimean Bridge attack – Kremlin spokesperson

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitriy Peskov has called Russia's overnight missile attack on the Ukrainian port of Odesa retaliation for the explosions that damaged the Crimean Bridge on July 17.

The Russian Ministry of Defence reported troops had carried out a "group retaliatory strike" using allegedly "high-precision" sea-launched weapons on facilities where "terrorist attacks against Russia were being prepared. 

The enemy forces also claimed to have destroyed fuel storage facilities near Mykolaiv and Odesa, with a total volume of about 70,000 tonnes that were allegedly used to supply military equipment with fuel.

Southern Ukraine was hit with a wave of more than 20 drones overnight, followed by six Kalibr missiles launched from the Black Sea towards Odesa, according to the Ukrainian Air Force.

The explosions on the Crimean Bridge, which took place around 3 a.m. local time on July 17, heavily damaged a section of the bridge for road traffic. Russia blamed Ukraine, but Kyiv has not claimed responsibility.

Road traffic on the bridge is blocked. The ferry crossing between Kerch and Russia has also ceased to function, while the traffic was sent to detour through the occupied mainland Ukraine.

Russia-appointed Crimea authorities recognize that one span of the structure cannot be restored. They state that a temporary bridge 250 meters long will be built next to the damaged part of the Crimean Bridge.

Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has promised Russia will take revenge for the attack on the Crimean Bridge.