Russia Foils Attack on Bridge Linking to Crimea

Russia announced on Saturday that its forces successfully destroyed three Ukrainian naval drones attempting to attack a vital bridge connecting Russia to the annexed region of Crimea. As a result, the bridge had to be temporarily closed for the third time in less than a year. Ukrainian officials have not yet responded to the incident.

Repeated Attacks on the Kerch Bridge

The Kerch bridge, an important supply route for Kremlin forces in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, has been targeted multiple times since Russia’s full-scale invasion. An explosion in October, believed to be caused by a truck bomb, resulted in three fatalities. Another attack in July caused a section of the bridge to become dangerously unstable, killing a couple and seriously injuring their daughter.

Significance of the Kerch Bridge

The bridge plays a crucial role for Moscow, serving as a vital military and civilian supply route and symbolizing Kremlin control over the peninsula it annexed in 2014.

Escalation of Border Incidents

Amidst the drone attack on the bridge, shelling of the Russian border regions occurred. One civilian was killed and two were injured in Russia’s Belgorod region, while a woman was wounded in the neighboring Kursk region. Ukrainian authorities typically do not comment on attacks on Russian soil, and drone strikes and shelling along the border are common occurrences.

Ukrainian Shelling in Donetsk

In retaliation, Ukraine shelled the eastern Ukrainian city of Donetsk, resulting in four injuries. Donetsk is the capital of the eponymous province, which was illegally annexed by Russia in 2014 and subsequently came under the control of Russia-backed separatists.

Intensified Conflict

Over the past 24 hours, Russia launched four missile strikes, 39 airstrikes, and 42 attacks with multiple rocket launchers, as reported by the Ukrainian military. The southern Kherson region of Ukraine also experienced shelling, resulting in one fatality and two injuries. Additionally, an anti-aircraft defense system in Kryvyi Rih successfully defended against an undisclosed attack.

Concerns about Russian Forces

British military officials expressed concerns that Russia may divide its forces to prevent a Ukrainian breakthrough in the south. According to British intelligence, Ukrainian forces continue to mount offensive actions in southern Ukraine, with some units reaching the first line of Russian defense.

Upcoming Talks Between Putin and Erdogan

Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet with Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Sochi next week. This meeting comes after Russia recently terminated a deal brokered by Turkey and the U.N., which ensured the safe transportation of Ukrainian grain to global markets amidst the 18-month-long conflict.