KYIV, UKRAINE — Traffic on the Russian-built Crimean Bridge came to a standstill following an “emergency” situation, as confirmed by officials installed by Russia on Monday. Ukrainian media simultaneously reported explosions on the bridge, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the incident.
Sergei Aksyonov, the Russian-installed governor, acknowledged the emergency, which reportedly took place at the 145th pillar of the bridge connecting the Crimean peninsula to the Russian region of Krasnodar. However, no further details were provided by Aksyonov.
According to CNN, witnesses heard the sound of explosions emanating from the bridge, further heightening concerns.
Crimea was annexed by Russia from Ukraine in 2014, although it continues to be recognized internationally as part of Ukraine.
The Grey Zone channel, a highly followed Telegram channel associated with the Wagner mercenary group, reported two separate strikes on the bridge at 03:04 a.m. (0004 GMT) and 03:20 a.m., but Reuters has not been able to independently verify these reports. There has been no immediate comment from Ukraine regarding the incident.
The implications of the bridge incident for the U.N.-brokered deal facilitating the safe export of Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea remain uncertain. The deal, set to expire on Monday, remains in limbo as negotiations continue.
Last October, the 12-mile (19-km) road and rail bridge suffered damage from an explosion, which the Kremlin attributed to Ukrainian security forces. Ukraine indirectly admitted involvement in the attack months later.
In response to the current situation, both Aksyonov and Veniamin Kondratyev, the governor of the Krasnodar region, established operational headquarters in their respective regions to address the emergency on the bridge.
Kerch bridge, also known as Crimean is in smoke. One span of the bridge collapsedю It's going to be difficult for Russia to carry the suit without a handle that is Crimea. War zone on one side and no bridge on another. pic.twitter.com/OKDDVbt1RB
— Ukraine Front Line (@EuromaidanPR) July 17, 2023
The Russian-backed administration in Crimea has assured residents that essential supplies are available but has advised against travel via the bridge.
Serhiy Bratchuk, spokesperson for Ukraine’s Odesa military administration, posted a photo on his Telegram account depicting a portion of the bridge, seemingly severed in the middle. The connection between this image and the reported attack remains unclear at present.
