Kerch Bridge plays vital role in Russia’s military logistics, no alternatives available – Defense Forces of Southern Ukraine

The Russian army's military logistics depend on the functioning of the Kerch bridge—there is no other alternative in Russia.

Dmytro Pletenchuk, head of the Center for Strategic Communications of the Defense Forces of Southern Ukraine, said this on the air of Radio Svoboda (Morning Freedom project) against the background of statements in the Western press that the Ukrainian army is preparing to strike the bridge.

"You remember, they once had a project for an underground tunnel from Russia to Crimea in the media space. I think right now is the right time to start building it because they probably won't have any more or less safe ways to get to Crimea," the officer notes.

According to Pletenchuk, the bridge cannot withstand the logistical load, so they are forced to look for alternatives in Russia.

"Marine military logistics, that is, the use of large amphibious ships, is also closed to them. Because these amphibious ships, for some reason, explode and sink in our Black Sea. They decided that ferries would be suitable for this, but these were forgotten when the Kerch Bridge was opened. It turns out that the main logistics fell on the ferries," the officer explained.

Also, as the military officer adds, the railway the Russians will build along the northern coast of the Sea of ​​Azov in the occupied southern part of Ukraine is unfinished.

The representative of Operational Command "South" was asked whether now was the right moment for strikes on the bridge. Pletenchuk replied that "a limited circle of people knows" this and also added that "such structures are complex enough to be affected."

Earlier, the German newspaper Bild, citing experts and analysts, published an article in which it is said that the Ukrainian army is probably preparing to launch a new attack on the Kerch Bridge.

This is especially evident with Ukraine's armed forces recently attacking the Russian ferries "Avangard" and "Conroe Trader." At the same time, the partisan group known as the Atesh movement reports that Russia's military is increasing security measures for the Kerch Bridge, with additional air defense systems being installed.

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It should be noted that the Crimean Bridge, illegally built by the occupiers, was hit at least twice.

It should be noted that on July 17, explosions rang out on the Crimean Bridge. The span leading to Tamani was utterly destroyed, and the span towards Kerch suffered damage.

According to Ukrainian Security Service media sources, the explosions were caused by a joint operation between the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) and the Naval Forces. Surface drones targeted the bridge. In light of this, the SSU stressed that international laws and warfare regulations permit disrupting enemy supply routes.

In addition, on October 8, 2022, the bridge over the Kerch Strait experienced an explosion followed by a fire. Part of the road surface collapsed, blocking traffic.

On October 20, 2022, Zelensky clarified that Ukraine had not been involved in the "attack" on the Crimean Bridge. Later, on July 23, 2023, Zelensky described the Crimean Bridge as a target that needed to be neutralized.