Crimean bridge attacked, now what?
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This morning the bridge connecting Crimea with the Russian mainland was blown up and partially damaged. It is probably a sabotage attack by Ukrainian special forces. The action itself does not have much to say, other than that Russia will have temporary problems transporting military equipment over the bridge. It is likely to be repaired soon and ready to transport large quantities of weapons and ammunition to the Russian army of occupation. But the explosion has a very important symbolic value in Ukraine.
Crimea bridge, Putin’s prestige project
The bridge was opened by Vladimir Putin on 15 May 2018. The 18.1 km long bridge linked the annexed Crimean peninsula to the Russian mainland. The bridge was a symbol of the illegal annexation of Crimea, the first piece of Ukrainian territory that Russia took in 2014.
According to Russian propaganda, it should be protected against all attacks from above and below. According to the propaganda, the bridge was supposed to be completely safe. Both construction and surveillance made this bridge completely secure against all attacks. This morning the world got to see how safe the bridge is in practice. It is likely that an explosive charge attached to a train carrying fuel caused the incident.
Prestige for Ukraine
The mission itself is probably carried out by Ukrainian special forces. The Crimea bridge stands in many ways as a symbol of the Russian annexation of Crimea in 2014. The manner in which the sabotage has been carried out shows Ukraine’s ability to carry out advanced operations deep inside areas controlled by Russia.
Although the bridge will probably be ready for normal operation in a few weeks, this is a great victory. Mentally, such events help build self-esteem and belief in a victory. Together with the recent major Ukrainian advances in Kherson and Donbas, this gives optimism.
Most likely, Russia will respond in one way or another. The answer will probably be bombing of Ukrainian infrastructure. It makes no difference in the war. Russia has been doing this since day 1. The use of tactical nuclear weapons is questionable. The consequence for Russia will be an escalation that they themselves will lose very quickly.
Sources:
Crimea bridge partly reopens after huge explosion – Russia – BBC News