Explosions disrupt traffic on a key bridge from Crimea to Russia’s mainland

Explosions disrupted traffic early Monday on the Kerch Bridge, which links the Russian mainland to annexed Crimea, reportedly causing at least two deaths and one injury.

Attack Details: Russian media reported two explosions on the bridge, which authorities labeled a “terrorist attack” allegedly conducted by Ukrainian special forces using sea drones.
* A section of the road appeared to have partially collapsed from the impact, according to online witness videos.

Possible Motivations: While no Ukrainian group has claimed responsibility, a spokesperson from the Ukrainian military suggested the attack could be a Russian-staged provocation associated with an expiring grain export deal.
* Russia’s Foreign Ministry accused Ukraine of executing the attack, implying involvement of U.S. and British intelligence.

Historical Context: This is the second significant attack on the Kerch Bridge following a truck bomb incident last October.
* The bridge is a vital supply line for Russian forces in southern Ukraine and an essential symbol of Russia’s control of Crimea, which was annexed from Ukraine in 2014.

Official Statements: Despite its strategic importance, the head of Ukraine’s security services, Kyrylo Budanov, has deemed the bridge redundant, and Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Malyar previously included an attack on the bridge in Ukraine’s list of military successes.

View original article on NPR

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