According to Russian officials, the bridge connecting southern Ukraine to the peninsula of Crimea has been targeted by long-range British missiles in an alleged attack. The parallel Chonhar bridges, which serve as a vital link from Crimea to the southern front line, sustained damage. Although no casualties were reported. The governor appointed by Russia in the occupied region of Kherson, Vladimir Saldo. Suggested that the attack was ordered by London and speculated that British Storm Shadow missiles were utilized.
Photographs shared by Vladimir Saldo depicted a significant gap in one of the bridges. But he assured that repairs would be carried out swiftly, and temporary alternative routes would be designated for vehicular traffic. The bridge serves as a critical land connection to Crimea, and the city of Melitopol. Located on the coastal route from the Russian border to southern Ukraine, relies on it for transportation.
Ukraine’s recent counter-offensive, initiated in the southern region of Zaporizhzhia earlier this month, has put Melitopol at risk. Prompting speculations that it may be one of the intended targets. Russian forces took control of the Crimean peninsula in 2014 and subsequently invaded Ukraine’s southern coastal region in February of the following year. Last autumn, Ukraine successfully recaptured the Kherson region north of the Dnipro River.
Dam Destruction: Impeding Ukrainian Advances across the Dnipro
However, this month, a suspected act of Russian sabotage destroyed a dam on the river, impeding Ukrainian advances across the Dnipro. Consequently, Ukraine’s offensive has progressed slowly, with the recapture of only eight villages thus far. In retaliation, Russian forces have continued to target Ukrainian cities, including a residential area in President Volodymyr Zelensky‘s hometown of Kryvyih Rih and the southern port city of Odesa overnight.
The situation between Ukraine and Russia remains tense, with ongoing military operations and the persistent threat of further escalation. International efforts to de-escalate the conflict and promote a peaceful resolution continue as both sides navigate this volatile situation.