Russia says it thwarted attacks on Crimea bridge. Shelling and strikes leave at least 2 dead

Russia announced on Saturday that its military successfully thwarted attacks on a crucial bridge connecting the mainland to the annexed region of Crimea. The attempts to target the bridge involved three Ukrainian naval drones. One drone was eliminated on Friday night, followed by the destruction of two more early Saturday morning, according to Russia’s Defense Ministry. Ukrainian officials have not yet provided a response to these events.

The bridge, known as the Kerch bridge, plays a vital role in facilitating the movement of supplies for Kremlin forces engaged in the conflict with Ukraine. Since Russia’s large-scale invasion, the bridge has been a repeated target for attacks. Notably, an explosion occurred in October, attributed to a truck bomb, resulting in three fatalities. Subsequently, another attack in July caused the death of a couple and severe injuries to their daughter, causing a section of the bridge to hang precariously.

This bridge carries significant strategic importance for Moscow, serving as a critical conduit for both military and civilian resources. Additionally, it symbolizes the Kremlin’s control over Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014.

Amid these developments, there were reports of casualties and damage on both sides of the border. In Russia’s Belgorod region bordering Ukraine, shelling resulted in the death of a civilian and injuries to two others. Furthermore, Ukrainian drones carried out attacks in the region’s Valuysky district, causing minor damage to private property. Russian air defense managed to intercept another drone in the Grayvoronsky district.

In the neighboring Kursk region, a woman sustained injuries due to shelling in a village. Ukrainian authorities, often reserved when it comes to commenting on attacks within Russia, did not confirm their involvement. Incidents involving drone strikes and shelling along the Russian border are recurrent.

Additionally, in the eastern Ukrainian city of Donetsk, under the control of Russia-backed separatists since 2014, four individuals were wounded as a result of Ukrainian shelling. The Ukrainian military reported multiple missile strikes, airstrikes, and attacks from rocket launchers launched by Russia over a 24-hour period.

British military sources have voiced concerns about Russia’s potential for dividing its forces while attempting to prevent Ukrainian advances in the southern part of the country. British intelligence revealed that Ukrainian troops maintained an offensive stance along the Orikhiv axis in southern Ukraine, progressing towards the first line of Russian defense.

Meanwhile, preparations are underway for a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Scheduled to take place in Russia’s Black Sea resort of Sochi, this meeting comes six weeks after a previous deal, brokered by Ankara and the U.N., concerning the safe export of Ukrainian grain despite the ongoing conflict, was disrupted by Moscow.

In conclusion, the recent events involving attacks on the Kerch bridge and the ensuing developments in the border regions highlight the ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine. These incidents have broader implications not only for the two countries involved but also for the geopolitical dynamics in the region.

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More about Border tensions

• Kerch Bridge: Strategic Significance and Attacks
• Escalating Russia-Ukraine Border Tensions
• British Intelligence Concerns
• Diplomatic Efforts and Putin-Erdogan Meeting