The decision by Russian authorities to stop using the Crimean Bridge to resupply Russian forces came as cargo traffic across Taman in the Rostov region increased.
Russia has apparently stopped using the illegally built Kerch Bridge in Crimea to transport troops and equipment to occupied Ukrainian territories. Moscow switched to using land routes through the occupied territory. The Independent writes about this on Monday, May 6, with reference to Maxar satellite images and the conclusions of analysts from the private intelligence agency Molfar.
“Analysis of satellite imagery shows that there is almost no traffic on the bridge, which was built by Russia after the annexation of Crimea in 2014, and therefore can no longer be an effective military target for the Ukrainian army,” analysts pointed out.
According to their observations, only one Russian freight train with about 55 fuel cars was seen on the bridge on February 29.
In March and April, according to Molfar, the bridge was not used to transport military cargo.
According to Molfar CEO Artem Starosek, the decision of the Russian authorities to stop using the Crimean Bridge to resupply Russian forces coincides with a sharp increase in cargo traffic across Taman in the Rostov region.
He believes that Ukraine should focus on Melitopol, Berdyansk and Mariupol, where Russia is building new railway lines to connect the occupied territories with Crimea and the Russian mainland.
“The new railway line, which runs from Akimovka in Melitopol and extends to Berdyansk and Mariupol before reaching Rostov in Russia, is likely to be used by Russian troops for a new offensive. This road includes 63 km of new track and about 140 km of restored ones and its construction could be completed before the end of the year.
These railways now pose a more serious threat than the defunct Crimean Bridge railway. “Western aid must also be provided in a way that meets Ukraine’s need to target active Russian ammunition supply points,” he said.
Russian use of the bridge was significantly reduced after Ukraine attacked it with drones on July 17, 2023, which blew up a section of road and railway, the review notes.
According to Vasily Malyuk, head of Ukraine’s Security Service, before the July 17 attack, Russia allowed more than 40 trains carrying weapons to cross the bridge every day.
The United States has authorized Ukraine to attack targets in Crimea with ATACMS long-range ballistic missiles.
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Source: korrespondent
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.