Imagery has revealed an ongoing construction project along the Kerch Bridge in Russian-occupied Crimea, sparking speculation and raising questions within the Ukrainian military and intelligence community. The purpose and nature of the structure remain unclear, and Ukrainian officials have expressed uncertainty about its intended use or strategic significance.
Russia installed two Pantsir air defense systems on metal towers on Tuzla Island in the Kerch Strait to protect Crimea Bridge. pic.twitter.com/KIkbyG9034
— Clash Report (@clashreport) September 26, 2024
The Kerch Bridge, also known as the Crimean Bridge, is a 19-kilometer (nearly 12-mile) road and rail bridge that connects the Crimean Peninsula to mainland Russia across the Kerch Strait. It is a vital piece of infrastructure for Russia, serving as a key supply route for transporting goods, military equipment, and personnel to Crimea, which was annexed by Russia in 2014.
Recent satellite images have shown what appears to be a secondary structure being erected parallel to the original bridge. Ukrainian navy spokesperson Captain Third Rank Dmytro Pletenchuk commented on the images, suggesting that it could be a “protective structure or some other crossing,” but emphasized that it is too early to draw any definitive conclusions. Pletenchuk noted that the construction might not be completed this season due to the onset of stormy weather, which would make building conditions difficult .
In addition to the observed structure, reports indicate that Russian forces have been placing metal drone traps in the waters off the coast of Crimea near the Kerch Bridge. According to Crimean Wind Telegram channel reports, these traps are being transported on barges and pontoons and lowered into the sea using floating cranes.Â
Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate spokesperson previously stated in April that another strike on the bridge was “inevitable,” highlighting the bridge’s continued vulnerability and the strategic goal of undermining Russian supply routes to Crimea as Ukraine seeks to reclaim the annexed peninsula.
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