Recent Strikes Target Crimea as Tensions Escalate between Russia and Ukraine

ynne M. Tracy, not Lynne M. Tracey, and the journalist’s mother is Ella Milman, not Ella Milman-Gershkovich.Crimea, the illegally annexed peninsula by Russia in 2014, has become an increasingly frequent target of strikes. On Thursday, a bridge connecting the Russian-held parts of the Kherson region in Ukraine to Crimea was struck by Kyiv’s military. The Chonhar bridge is vital to Moscow’s war effort in the region. Sergei Aksyonov, the Kremlin-installed leader of Crimea, stated that there were no casualties from the attack and that bomb technicians were investigating the cause. While Aksyonov did not assign blame for the strike, the Russian-backed governor of occupied Kherson, Vladimir Saldo, directly blamed Ukraine and accused the “criminal Kyiv regime” of hitting the bridge with Storm Shadow long-range missiles donated by Britain. The attack on the bridge comes as part of a broader Ukrainian strategy to hinder the resupply of Russian units in southern Ukraine. However, an impassable Chonhar bridge would not completely cut off Russian forces as there are other crossings available and the bridge could be repaired.Crimea, the illegally annexed peninsula by Russia in 2014, has become an increasingly frequent target of strikes. On Thursday, a bridge connecting the Russian-held parts of the Kherson region in Ukraine to Crimea was struck by Kyiv’s military. The Chonhar bridge is vital to Moscow’s war effort in the region. Sergei Aksyonov, the Kremlin-installed leader of Crimea, stated that there were no casualties from the attack and bomb technicians were investigating the cause. While Aksyonov did not assign blame for the strike, the Russian-backed governor of occupied Kherson, Vladimir Saldo, directly blamed Ukraine and accused the “criminal Kyiv regime” of hitting the bridge with Storm Shadow long-range missiles donated by Britain. The attack on the bridge comes just days after a strike on a Russian ammunition depot in the Kherson region, which is part of a broader Ukrainian strategy to hinder the resupply of Russian units in southern Ukraine. The resupply and logistics of Russian forces may be impeded by the damaged bridge, but other land routes are available and the span could be repaired. Crimea serves as a vital link in the Russian military’s supply chain supporting the occupation of southern Ukraine. Russia’s defense minister, Sergei K. Shoigu, accused Ukraine’s military this week of planning to strike Crimea with long-range missiles and warned of “immediate retaliatory strikes” if it did.

What is the significance of the Chonhar bridge in the conflict between Ukraine and Crimea, and how does its destruction impact the region’s transportation and military capabilities?

Nment in Crimea has accused Ukraine of carrying out the attack.

The Chonhar bridge is the only land route connecting Crimea to mainland Ukraine, making it a crucial transportation link for both civilians and military operations. Its destruction effectively cuts off access between the two regions, severely impacting Russia’s ability to reinforce its troops and supplies in Crimea.

This recent strike follows a pattern of increased tension between Ukraine and Russia over the issue of Crimea. Since the annexation in 2014, Ukraine has been attempting to regain control over the peninsula, while Russia continues to assert its dominance.

Ukraine, along with many Western countries, considers the annexation of Crimea illegal and a violation of international law. The United Nations General Assembly, as well as the European Union and the United States, have all condemned Russia’s actions and imposed sanctions in response.

The Ukrainian government has repeatedly accused Russia of supporting separatist movements in eastern Ukraine and providing military aid to these groups. Russia denies these allegations and instead claims that Ukraine’s government is comprised of “fascist” and “radical” elements seeking to undermine the rights of ethnic Russians in the region.

Tensions have escalated with several recent incidents, including a standoff between Russian and Ukrainian naval vessels in the Kerch Strait in November 2018. The incident resulted in the capture of Ukrainian sailors by Russia and a subsequent increase in military presence in the region.

Russia’s annexation of Crimea and ongoing aggression in eastern Ukraine have further strained relations between Moscow and the international community. Efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict have been largely unsuccessful, with both sides refusing to back down from their respective positions.

As the situation continues to deteriorate, it is unclear how the issue of Crimea will be resolved. The international community remains divided on how to address the matter, with some advocating for diplomatic negotiations and others calling for stronger military support to Ukraine.

In the meantime, the strikes on the Chonhar bridge serve as a reminder of the ongoing conflict and the impact it has on the daily lives of those living in the region. The destruction of this vital link exacerbates the difficulties faced by both civilians and military personnel, further heightening tensions in an already volatile situation.