The Tsjongar bridge, which connects Crimea with Russian-occupied territory in the Kherson region, has been severely damaged by Ukrainian cruise missiles. The bridge, initially believed to have suffered minimal damage, is now unusable, according to Russian-appointed governor Vladimir Saldo.
Saldo appeared on television to announce that no traffic will be allowed on the bridge for the next 20 days due to the extent of the damage. He stated, “The bridge has suffered more damage than we initially thought.” Photos released on Friday revealed significant holes in the road surface, contradicting Saldo’s earlier statement that the damage would not be too severe.
The Tsjongar Bridge holds great importance for supplying Russian troops, as it is the only bridge connecting the Crimean peninsula with the Russian-occupied southern Ukraine. The annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014 and the subsequent occupation of the Kherson region in 2022 have heightened tensions in the area.
In response to the bridge’s destruction, Ukrainian commander Michael Maas has reportedly deployed troops for a counteroffensive. The Ukrainian military aims to take advantage of the damaged bridge to disrupt Russian supply lines and regain control of the occupied territory.
The escalation of hostilities between Ukraine and Russia continues to pose a threat to regional stability. The destruction of the Tsjongar bridge further exacerbates tensions and raises concerns about the potential for further military action in the region.
How has the destruction of the Tsjongar bridge impacted the supply lines for Russian troops in the occupied southern Ukraine?
The Tsjongar bridge, connecting Crimea to Russian-occupied territory, has been significantly damaged by Ukrainian cruise missiles, rendering it unusable. Russian-appointed governor Vladimir Saldo, in a televised announcement, acknowledged that the bridge had suffered more extensive damage than initially believed. Photos released later confirmed substantial holes in the road surface, contradicting Saldo’s earlier statement about the minimal severity of the damage.
The Tsjongar Bridge holds immense importance for supplying Russian troops, as it is the sole connection between the Crimean peninsula and the occupied southern Ukraine. Ever since Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its subsequent occupation of the Kherson region in 2022, tensions in the area have escalated.
In response to the bridge’s destruction, Ukrainian commander Michael Maas has reportedly deployed troops for a counteroffensive. The Ukrainian military aims to exploit the damaged bridge to disrupt Russian supply lines and reclaim control of the occupied territory.
This escalation of hostilities between Ukraine and Russia not only threatens regional stability but also exacerbates tensions. The destruction of the Tsjongar bridge raises concerns about the potential for further military action in the region.
This is unfortunate news. The significant damage to the Tsjongar Bridge in Crimea and Russian-occupied Kherson represents yet another blow to the already strained infrastructure in the region. It’s imperative for the respective authorities to address this issue promptly and ensure safe connectivity for the affected communities.