Occupiers guard the Crimean bridge with aircraft, which is more expensive and difficult — spokesman for the Ukrainian Navy

Yesterday, October 8, marked the anniversary of the first explosion on the Crimean Bridge. At 6 a.m., an explosion occurred on the motorway side of the bridge. It was later revealed that a truck had exploded while in motion.

Dmytro Pletenchuk, a spokesman for the Ukrainian Navy, spoke to Hromadske Radio about the event.

«Now, the Russians are guarding the Crimean Bridge with all available resources. From a technical perspective, it is their main artery connecting with Russia. Even the oil depot, which recently caught fire, appears to have been guarded less thoroughly.»

Pletenchuk also highlights the ideological significance of the bridge for Russia, which plays an equally important role in the war.

«The regime of dictator Putin is built around such strategic assets. That’s why they protect it so rigorously, and this fact must be acknowledged.»

To secure the Crimean Bridge, Russia primarily relies on air defense systems, Pletenchuk says. The concentration of such weapons is quite dense in that area. Currently, the occupiers are unable to defend the bridge from the water, so they have assigned this task to aviation, particularly helicopters.

«It is much more costly and challenging to protect the bridge from the air, but they are doing it», — the expert adds.

More about the strikes on the Crimean Bridge

On October 8 2022, at 6 a.m., a large-scale fire broke out on the Crimean Bridge, which connects Russia to occupied Crimea. A fuel tank caught fire, leading to the suspension of traffic on the bridge.

It was later confirmed that a truck had exploded while moving, and the fire spread to a train carrying fuel tanks.

On 17 July 2023, around four in the morning, a section of the Kerch (Crimean) Bridge collapsed following an explosion. Russian media reported at least two dead and one injured. Long queues formed in front of the bridge, and train traffic was halted.

Subsequently, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) shared footage with CNN of an attack on the Crimean Bridge in July, using an experimental maritime drone.

The head of the SBU, Vasyl Malyuk, told CNN that the drone, named «Sea Baby,» was the result of months of development, and the operation was carried out in collaboration with the Ukrainian Navy.