Krum Bridge in Russian-occupied territory where the explosion occurred. [사진-연합뉴스]
Ukrainian and Russian media reported on the 8th (local time) that a large explosion occurred at the Krem Bridge connecting the Russian mainland with the Krm Peninsula occupied by Russia in 2014.
Ukraine has repeatedly expressed its intention to destroy the Krum Bridge following being invaded by Russia in February of this year. According to Archyde.com, the Ukrainian government said the explosion was only the beginning and that illegal facilities should be destroyed.
According to foreign media, the explosion occurred around 6 am local time. Russia’s TAS news agency, citing an official from the Krum Railway Corporation, reported that a freight train carrying a fuel storage tank at the rear of the freight train was on fire and is working to extinguish the fire.
However, there was no damage to the structures that allowed ships to pass under the bridge. Russia’s state-run Sputnik news agency said there was no disruption to the navigation of ships in the Kerch Strait.
The TAS news agency, citing an official from the Russian Federal Highway Corporation, reported that the two-way traffic crossing the Krum Bridge had stopped.
After occupying the Krem Peninsula, Russia opened the 18km-long Krem Bridge connecting the occupied territory with the Russian mainland in 2018. It is the longest bridge in Europe, and Russia is said to have spent several trillions of dollars to build it. The Krum Bridge is a key supply route linking the Russian mainland and the Krum Peninsula, and has high tactical and economic value to Russia.
Ukraine still regards the Krum Peninsula as its territory. In June, there was also a report that the Ukrainian army had designated the Krem Bridge as its first target as soon as it received weapons support from the West. Russia then warned that it would bomb the Ukrainian capital Kiiu if the Krum Bridge was attacked.
- reporter information
- Jeong Yeon-woo
- ynu@ajunews.com
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