The Crimean Bridge, also known as the Crimea Bridge, is a critical infrastructure connecting Russia and the Crimean peninsula. Its significance lies in the fact that it is the sole direct link between Russia’s transport network and Crimea, which was annexed by Moscow from Ukraine in 2014. The 19-kilometer bridge spans across the Kerch Strait and serves as a vital supply route for Russian forces in Ukraine.
Built at a reported cost of $3.6 billion by a firm owned by Arkady Rotenberg, a close ally and former judo partner of Russian President Vladimir Putin, the bridge consists of separate road and railway sections. These sections are supported by concrete stilts, transitioning into a wider span held by steel arches to accommodate passage for ships traveling between the Black Sea and the smaller Azov Sea.
President Putin personally inaugurated the Crimean Bridge in 2018, driving a truck across it to mark the occasion. The symbolic importance of the bridge extends beyond its infrastructure value. It became a flagship project for Putin, emphasizing Russia’s control over Crimea and reinforcing its military presence in the region.
The bridge plays a crucial role in the supply of essential goods, including fuel, food, and other products, to Crimea. Additionally, the port of Sevastopol, located in Crimea, serves as the historic home base for Russia’s Black Sea Fleet. As a result, the bridge enables efficient transportation of supplies to support the fleet’s operations.
Furthermore, the bridge has gained significance as a supply route for Russian forces following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Russian troops from Crimea seized control of southern Ukraine’s Kherson region and parts of the neighboring Zaporizhzhia province. The Crimean Bridge facilitated the transportation of troops, equipment, and resources, enabling Russia to exert its influence and sustain its military operations in Ukraine.
However, the bridge has also been the target of security concerns. In October, it was damaged in a powerful blast, allegedly caused by a truck that exploded while crossing the bridge. The explosion resulted in three deaths. President Putin labeled the incident a terrorist attack orchestrated by Ukrainian security services. In retaliation, he ordered strikes on Ukrainian cities, including the capital Kyiv.
More recently, on Monday, traffic on the bridge was halted due to an emergency situation. Reports indicated that explosions were heard, with some Russian military bloggers suggesting two strikes occurred. These claims regarding the bridge’s current status remain unverified, and there has been no immediate comment from Ukraine.
The Crimean Bridge remains a critical component of Russia’s influence in Crimea and its military operations in Ukraine. Its strategic value for the supply of resources and military personnel emphasizes the bridge’s importance, both for Russia and the Crimean peninsula.
