Explosion on Crimea Bridge: Two Dead, Traffic Resumes

Russia accuses Ukraine of terrorist act

After the incident on the Crimean bridge, the Kremlin has accused Ukraine of committing a terrorist act. Ukrainian media claim the involvement of the Ukrainian intelligence service and the navy.

Headline: Russia declares "terrorist attack" on Crimean bridge

Following the explosion on the bridge leading to the annexed Crimean peninsula, Russia has officially declared it a "terrorist attack." Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that they know the reasons and those responsible for the attack, blaming the Kiev regime.

Accusations of British and American complicity from Russian Foreign Ministry

The Russian Anti-Terror Committee previously stated that Ukrainian intelligence services were responsible for the explosion. The bridge was reportedly attacked by underwater drones in the early morning.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova also accused Britain and the United States of complicity. She stated, "The attack on the Crimean bridge today was carried out by the regime in Kiev. This regime is a terrorist one and exhibits all the characteristics of an internationally organized criminal gang. Ukrainian politicians and the military make these decisions with direct help from American and British intelligence services and politicians."

Ukrainian involvement suspected in the attack

According to Ukrainian media and international news agencies, Ukrainian security sources also claimed that Ukrainian forces were behind the attack. They alleged the involvement of the SBU intelligence agency and the navy. In recent months, there have been at least two attacks by flying and floating drones on the Russian naval base in Sevastopol, Crimea.

The Ukrainian intelligence service initially did not confirm their involvement but instead responded with, "Once again, the bridge 'goes to sleep.' And one... two!" It was only months later that Kiev admitted involvement in an attack on the bridge last fall.

Two killed in explosion on Crimean bridge

There was an incident on the crucial bridge connecting the Russian-annexed Crimea peninsula with mainland Russia early in the morning. While social media reports mentioned explosions, Russian authorities initially referred to it as an "emergency" in the area of the 145th bridge pylon. Car traffic was suspended, and there were visible signs of destruction in photos and videos.

Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov of the Russian region of Belgorod stated in a video message that two people were killed in the incident. The victims were identified as a married couple, and their 14-year-old daughter was injured and taken to a hospital.

Train service resumes on Crimean bridge

The Russian Ministry of Transport reported damage to the road surface but indicated that the bridge structure itself was intact. Train services, which were temporarily suspended, resumed in the morning. A train from the Crimean capital of Simferopol departed with a five-hour delay towards the southern Russian region of Krasnodar, according to authorities.

Russian vacationers urged to choose alternative route

The Crimean region is currently experiencing high activity due to the holiday season. The appointed governor of Crimea, Alexei Aksyonov, urged residents to remain calm and suggested taking an alternative land route through the Russian-occupied regions in southern Ukraine. Despite the tense security situation and lengthy controls, Russian tourists are reportedly flocking to Crimea in large numbers, accessible only by train or car.

Previous explosion in October 2022

Nine months ago, a severe explosion occurred on the approximately 19-kilometer bridge structure over the Kerch Strait, causing significant damage. It was subsequently repaired. In late May, the Ukrainian intelligence service admitted its involvement in the explosion for the first time.