Highlights
- Kerch Bridge is the bridge that links Crimea with Russia.
- It was also a symbol of the Kremlin's annexation of the peninsula.
- A new general was appointed by the Kremlin on the same day.
- The explosion on the bridge has caused three deaths so far.
Traffic recommences on October 8, over the 19km (12-mile) Kerch Bridge, after it was partially destroyed by an explosion with a truck bomb around dawn on Saturday. The bridge is the one that links Crimea with Russia- One of the biggest annexations of Russia of 2014, to take control over the Black Sea.
The bridge is seen as a symbol of the Kremlin’s annexation of the peninsula.
The Kremlin announced on the same day the appointment of a new general to lead its Ukraine offensive following a series of battlefield setbacks that triggered unprecedented criticism of its army at home. The explosion also killed three people, setting several oil tankers ablaze and collapsing two car lanes, Russian investigators informed.
Russia’s Traffic Ministry reported to the media that limited road traffic had resumed on Crimean Bridge after the huge explosion early that morning. Due to traffic reasons initially, traffic would be restricted between the Crimean and Russian Taman Peninsulas in alternating directions, added the ministry.
Taking to social media, the Russian-appointed governor, Sergei Askynov, said the heavy goods vehicles will have to wait to cross by ferry.
About the Kremlin Bridge Explosion
The incident transpired just a day after Russian President Putin's seventieth birthday, and also coincided with the appointment of Russia’s General Sergey Surovikin to lead the war in Ukraine. This was the third senior military appointment in a week. '
Explosion Reaction from Netizens
Moscow Netizens Reaction
Some people from Moscow claimed it to be Ukrainian “terrorism”, while the state media indicated it to be an "emergency situation."
Ukraine Netizens Reaction
The incident witnessed celebrations in Ukraine and its supporters over social media. The Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky did not directly mention the explosion in his night address and even officials did not assert any responsibility for the events.
In his night address, Zelensky asserted Ukrainians of a “sunny” future, one without occupiers, giving special emphasis to “Crimea”. While Zelensky’s adviser Mykhailo Podolyak hinted at Moscow’s hand in the whole explosion. He said that it was worth noting that the truck that detonated according to all indications entered the bridge from the Russian side. Hence the answers should be asked from Russia, he added.
Russia in Action
A Russian spokesman asserted that Putin had already commanded a commission to look into the blast. Some divers have also been appointed to examine the damage caused by the blast to the bridge connecting Crimea and Russia. A Russian-installed official in Crimea pointed the finger at “Ukrainian vandals” behind the whole incident.
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