Use of Kerch Bridge by occupiers remains restricted, its protection is under threat – British intelligence

11:45, 19.10.2023 1 min read

The bridge across the Kerch Strait, illegally built by Russian occupiers, connecting Russia with the occupied Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea is fully operational, but its use remains restricted due to procedures introduced after the attack in October 2022.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Defense of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, published on the X social network on Thursday morning, the occupiers are still transporting trucks and fuel through the Kerch Strait by ferry.

It is also noted that Russian security forces' confidence in their ability to protect the Kerch Strait bridge remains under threat due to the ingenuity of the Ukrainian military and security services.

"The Crimean bridge will remain a vital link in sustaining Russia's occupation of Crimea and its forces in southern Ukraine. However, it is now almost certainly a significant security burden requiring multi-domain protection, including the use of air defence systems and crews who would otherwise be deployed elsewhere," the British intelligence said.