Battered defences leave Crimean Bridge vulnerable to attacks
Storms in the Kerch Strait have significantly depleted the defences of the Crimean Bridge. Of the 34 barges placed there by the Russians—which were intended to protect the passage from potential surface drone attacks—slightly more than half remain.
Just-released satellite images have illustrated the extent of the issue. In November, 34 barges were stationed in the area of the crossing as a protective measure against water attacks on the bridge.
The newly released photographs show that only 18 barges remain. Moreover, no efforts to restore the units to their original positions have been noted.
Crimean Bridge as a target
The Crimean Bridge currently serves as a crucial crossing for the Russians. The structure provides the only land connection between the occupied peninsula and Krasnodar Krai in Russia. A substantial portion of supplies to Russian troops in Ukraine is routed through there.
Ukrainians have attacked the Crimean Bridge multiple times, but they have never succeeded in completely destroying it. Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Ukrainian military intelligence HUR, announced that this time will be different. Destroying the crossing remains a priority for the Ukrainians. "There are chances [for success]," he assured.
