A massive explosion early Saturday gravely destroyed the sole bridge connecting the occupied Crimean Peninsula to the Russian mainland, cutting off a vital supply line for Moscow’s floundering war in Ukraine.
After the massive event, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law boosting the defenses of the only bridge connecting the seized Crimea to the Russian mainland.
Images and video from the scene showed that the bomb collapsed part of the roadway of the Kerch Strait road-and-rail bridge, which Putin himself opened in 2018. Based on preliminary information, at least three persons were killed in the blast, said the Russian officials.
Putin called the explosions a “terrorist attack” and pointed accusations at the organizers and executors, saying that they were “Ukrainian special services.
In light of the event, high-ranking Ukrainian officials publicly celebrated the explosion on the 19-kilometer (about 12 miles) long structure, which is Europe’s longest bridge, while stopping short of claiming responsibility.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Sunday dismissed the possibility of Russia using nuclear weapons in retaliation for the blast.
Meanwhile today’s morning, two explosions were heard in the center of the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, the mayor says. “All services are on the location,” Mayor Vitali Klitschko says.