<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday (July 21) said that the bridge which links Russia to the Crimea peninsula "brings war not peace" and hence it is a military target.</p>

<p>On Monday, two civilians were killed and a part of the road bridge was out of service after explosions took place on the Crimea bridge. The bridge had recently got back into full operation after it was damaged severely in a similar attack in October.<br />
<br />
The attack that took place on Monday was welcomed by Ukraine, however, their officials did not claim any direct responsibility, while Moscow blamed Kyiv. Russia had annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 and Kyiv wishes&nbsp;to reclaim it as it continues to fight back against the 17-month-long full-scale invasion by&nbsp;Russia.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-to-spread-poland-to-move-soldiers-to-east-due-to-wagner-risks-618116">Will Ukraine war expand to other regions? Poland moving troops over Wagner risk from Belarus</a></p>

<p>The rail and road bridge, which was constructed by Russia and came into service in 2018 was "not just a logistical road", stated Zelensky, while speaking at the Aspen Security Conference in the United States through a video link.<br />
<br />
"This is the route used to feed the war with ammunition and this is being done on a daily basis. And it militarises the Crimean peninsula," said Zelensky, in his address as heard through an interpreter.<br />
<br />
"For us, this is understandably an enemy facility built outside international laws and all applicable norms. So, understandably, this is a target for us. And a target that is bringing war, not peace, has to be neutralised,” he added.</p>

<h2><strong>'Crimea bridge attack not linked to grain export deal'</strong></h2>

<p>Replying to questions raised through a moderator, Zelensky denied any link between the withdrawal of Russia from a UN-backed deal to export grain from Ukrainian ports and the attack on the Crimea bridge.<br />
<br />
He said that the operation of the grain corridor was hindered by Russia from the very start.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Ukraine forces struggle to counter Russia's 'Oink' missile</strong></p>

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<p><br />
"And later, they took this situation around the Crimea bridge, using it just as an example. If not the Crimea bridge, they would have found another example, another reason,” he said.<br />
<br />
The long-anticipated counteroffensive of the Ukrainian military, which was launched last month, took time to prepare as several defensive lines were set up by Russian occupying forces and Ukrainian territory was extensively mined, said Zelensky.<br />
<br />
President Zelensky further reiterated his previous assessment about the counteroffensive moving more slowly as he would want. "Ukraine is not backtracking. It is progressively liberating its territories, which is very important. Still, I believe we are approaching a moment when relevant actions can gain pace. I do understand it is better to see that victory comes sooner. This is what we want too,” he said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday (July 21) said that the bridge which links Russia to the Crimea peninsula "brings war not peace" and hence it is a military target.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday (July 21) said that the bridge which links Russia to the Crimea peninsula "brings war not peace" and hence it is a military target. On Monday, two civilians were killed and a part of the road bridge was out of service after explosions took place on the Crimea bridge. The bridge had recently got back into full operation after it was damaged severely in a similar attack in October. The attack that took place on Monday was welcomed by Ukraine, however, their officials did not claim any direct responsibility, while Moscow blamed Kyiv. Russia had annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 and Kyiv wishes to reclaim it as it continues to fight back against the 17-month-long full-scale invasion by Russia. ALSO READ | Will Ukraine war expand to other regions? Poland moving troops over Wagner risk from Belarus The rail and road bridge, which was constructed by Russia and came into service in 2018 was "not just a logistical road", stated Zelensky, while speaking at the Aspen Security Conference in the United States through a video link. "This is the route used to feed the war with ammunition and this is being done on a daily basis. And it militarises the Crimean peninsula," said Zelensky, in his address as heard through an interpreter. "For us, this is understandably an enemy facility built outside international laws and all applicable norms. So, understandably, this is a target for us. And a target that is bringing war, not peace, has to be neutralised,” he added. 'Crimea bridge attack not linked to grain export deal' Replying to questions raised through a moderator, Zelensky denied any link between the withdrawal of Russia from a UN-backed deal to export grain from Ukrainian ports and the attack on the Crimea bridge. He said that the operation of the grain corridor was hindered by Russia from the very start. WATCH | Ukraine forces struggle to counter Russia's 'Oink' missile "And later, they took this situation around the Crimea bridge, using it just as an example. If not the Crimea bridge, they would have found another example, another reason,” he said. The long-anticipated counteroffensive of the Ukrainian military, which was launched last month, took time to prepare as several defensive lines were set up by Russian occupying forces and Ukrainian territory was extensively mined, said Zelensky. President Zelensky further reiterated his previous assessment about the counteroffensive moving more slowly as he would want. "Ukraine is not backtracking. It is progressively liberating its territories, which is very important. Still, I believe we are approaching a moment when relevant actions can gain pace. I do understand it is better to see that victory comes sooner. This is what we want too,” he said. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Zelensky calls Crimea bridge 'legitimate military target', says it feeds ammunition for war

<p>A bridge linking the annexed Crimean peninsula to a region of southern Ukraine partially occupied by Russia got damaged after it was struck by Ukrainian missiles, a Russian official claimed on Thursday.</p>

<p>The bridge connects Crimea to the Ukrainian region of Kherson.</p>

<p>Russia-installed governor of Kherson Vladimir Saldo alleged that Ukrainian strikes had hit "bridges" near Chongar. Photos shared by him purportedly showed gaping holes on the surface of the bridge.</p>

<p>"During the night a strike hit the Chongar bridge. There are no victims," Sergei Aksyonov, the Russia-installed governor of Crimea, said on Telegram.</p>

<p>He claimed the attack was carried out by British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles on the “orders of London”.</p>

<p>Notably, the bridge is also an important link to the occupied city of Melitopol, which lies on the coastal route from the Russian border across southern Ukraine to Crimea.</p>

<p>The Crimean peninsula was usurped by Russian forces in 2014, who have also captured Ukraine's southern coastal region when they launched invasion in February last year.</p>

<p>The attack comes as Ukraine is in the midst of its counter-offensive operations in a bid to recapture territories occupied by the Russian forces.</p>

<h3><strong>Putin says Russia sees 'lull' in Ukrainian counteroffensive</strong></h3>

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<p>However, the effort has been slow than desired, as admitted by President Volodymyr Zelensky, claiming that they have managed to recapture only eight villages so far in the southern region of Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk to the east.</p>

<p>"Some people believe this is a Hollywood movie and expect results now. It's not," he told the BBC.</p>

<p>"What's at stake is people's lives."</p>

<h2><strong>West extends aid for rebuilding Ukraine</strong></h2>

<p>US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that the US would provide $1.3 billion in additional funds for Ukraine’s economy, led by energy and infrastructure investments. It was one of several pledges from a number of countries.</p>

<p>“Recovery is about laying the foundation for Ukraine to thrive as a secure, independent country, fully integrated with Europe, connected to markets around the world," Blinken told the Ukraine Recovery Conference in London.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/31-killed-after-major-explosion-rips-apart-restaurant-in-northwestern-china-607145">31 killed, 7 injured as explosion rips apart restaurant in northwestern China, nine arrested</a></p>

<p>"With the support of the US&nbsp;Congress, we will provide more than $1.3 billion in additional aid to help Ukraine toward that goal."</p>

<p>European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced $54.58 billion in aid for 2024-27, while Britain pledged $3 billion package to unlock World Bank lending and provide financial support to critical public services such as schools and hospitals, while Germany announced $3 billion military aid.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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A bridge linking the annexed Crimean peninsula to a region of southern Ukraine partially occupied by Russia got damaged after it was struck by Ukrainian missiles, a Russian official claimed on Thursday.

A bridge linking the annexed Crimean peninsula to a region of southern Ukraine partially occupied by Russia got damaged after it was struck by Ukrainian missiles, a Russian official claimed on Thursday. The bridge connects Crimea to the Ukrainian region of Kherson. Russia-installed governor of Kherson Vladimir Saldo alleged that Ukrainian strikes had hit "bridges" near Chongar. Photos shared by him purportedly showed gaping holes on the surface of the bridge. "During the night a strike hit the Chongar bridge. There are no victims," Sergei Aksyonov, the Russia-installed governor of Crimea, said on Telegram. He claimed the attack was carried out by British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles on the “orders of London”. Notably, the bridge is also an important link to the occupied city of Melitopol, which lies on the coastal route from the Russian border across southern Ukraine to Crimea. The Crimean peninsula was usurped by Russian forces in 2014, who have also captured Ukraine's southern coastal region when they launched invasion in February last year. The attack comes as Ukraine is in the midst of its counter-offensive operations in a bid to recapture territories occupied by the Russian forces. Putin says Russia sees 'lull' in Ukrainian counteroffensive However, the effort has been slow than desired, as admitted by President Volodymyr Zelensky, claiming that they have managed to recapture only eight villages so far in the southern region of Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk to the east. "Some people believe this is a Hollywood movie and expect results now. It's not," he told the BBC. "What's at stake is people's lives." West extends aid for rebuilding Ukraine US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that the US would provide $1.3 billion in additional funds for Ukraine’s economy, led by energy and infrastructure investments. It was one of several pledges from a number of countries. “Recovery is about laying the foundation for Ukraine to thrive as a secure, independent country, fully integrated with Europe, connected to markets around the world," Blinken told the Ukraine Recovery Conference in London. Also read | 31 killed, 7 injured as explosion rips apart restaurant in northwestern China, nine arrested "With the support of the US Congress, we will provide more than $1.3 billion in additional aid to help Ukraine toward that goal." European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced $54.58 billion in aid for 2024-27, while Britain pledged $3 billion package to unlock World Bank lending and provide financial support to critical public services such as schools and hospitals, while Germany announced $3 billion military aid. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Crimean bridge struck by missile attacks, Russia blames Ukraine

<p>On December 5, ten months after Vladimir Putin announced ‘special military operations’ against Ukraine, the Russian President drove across the strategically crucial Crimean bridge that links southern Russia to the Crimean peninsula administered by Russia since 2014. The significant geopolitical statement came less than two months after an explosion tore through the Crimean bridge in what was perceived in the west as a major breakthrough for the Ukrainian defences against Russia’s ongoing offence in Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Video of Putin's trip on the restored Crimean bridge <a href="https://t.co/6etxUd0rAU">pic.twitter.com/6etxUd0rAU</a></p>
— ₦₳V𝚜𝚝é𝚟𝚊 🇷🇺 ᴢ (@Navsteva) <a href="https://twitter.com/Navsteva/status/1599776685766758400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>The destruction&nbsp;of&nbsp;Crimean Bridge on October 8 was hailed by Ukrainian authorities as ‘a birthday gift to Putin’, as visuals of burning vehicles and scorched sections of the bridge surfaced on social media.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fuel-tank-ablaze-at-bridge-in-crimea-russian-news-agency-says-523506">Part of Kerch bridge linking Crimea to Russia collapses after 'truck explosion', Putin orders probe</a></strong></p>

<p>The 12-mile (19 km) road and rail bridge was personally opened by Putin in 2018.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/crimea-bridge-partially-destroyed-after-blast-russian-authorities-say-will-be-repaired-soon-523609">Crimea bridge partially destroyed after blast; Russian authorities say will be repaired soon</a></strong></p>

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<p>Putin was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin. He was shown on state television behind the wheel of a Mercedes, asking questions about where the attack took place.</p>

<p>"We are driving on the right hand side," Putin said, as he drove across the bridge. "The left side of the bridge, as I understand it, is in working condition, but nevertheless it needs to be completed. It still suffered a little, we need to bring it to an ideal state."</p>

<p>Putin also walked along parts of the bridge, Europe's largest, to inspect sections that showed the impact of the October 8 attack on it.</p>

<p>Ukraine never claimed responsibility for the bombing of the bridge on the morning of Oct. 8, a day after Putin's 70th birthday. Russia's Federal Security Service said the attack was organised by Ukrainian military intelligence.<br />
The explosion wrecked one section of the road bridge, temporarily halting traffic across the Kerch Strait. The blast also destroyed several fuel tankers on a train heading towards the annexed Crimean peninsula from neighbouring southern Russia.</p>

<p>Russia in 2014 claimed administrative control of Crimea. Ukraine has vowed to return Crimea, which relies on the bridge for crucial supplies.</p>

<p>Putin's ally Arkady Rotenberg's company built the vast structure, which is Europe's longest bridge. Putin has long lauded the project, saying at one point that Russian Tsars and Soviet leaders had dreamed of building it but never did.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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On December 5, ten months after Vladimir Putin announced ‘special military operations’ against Ukraine, the Russian President drove across the strategically crucial Crimean bridge that links southern Russia to the Crimean peninsula administered by Russia since 2014.

On December 5, ten months after Vladimir Putin announced ‘special military operations’ against Ukraine, the Russian President drove across the strategically crucial Crimean bridge that links southern Russia to the Crimean peninsula administered by Russia since 2014. The significant geopolitical statement came less than two months after an explosion tore through the Crimean bridge in what was perceived in the west as a major breakthrough for the Ukrainian defences against Russia’s ongoing offence in Ukraine. Video of Putin's trip on the restored Crimean bridge pic.twitter.com/6etxUd0rAU — ₦₳V𝚜𝚝é𝚟𝚊 🇷🇺 ᴢ (@Navsteva) December 5, 2022 × The destruction of Crimean Bridge on October 8 was hailed by Ukrainian authorities as ‘a birthday gift to Putin’, as visuals of burning vehicles and scorched sections of the bridge surfaced on social media. ALSO READ - Part of Kerch bridge linking Crimea to Russia collapses after 'truck explosion', Putin orders probe The 12-mile (19 km) road and rail bridge was personally opened by Putin in 2018. WATCH - Crimea bridge partially destroyed after blast; Russian authorities say will be repaired soon × Putin was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin. He was shown on state television behind the wheel of a Mercedes, asking questions about where the attack took place. "We are driving on the right hand side," Putin said, as he drove across the bridge. "The left side of the bridge, as I understand it, is in working condition, but nevertheless it needs to be completed. It still suffered a little, we need to bring it to an ideal state." Putin also walked along parts of the bridge, Europe's largest, to inspect sections that showed the impact of the October 8 attack on it. Ukraine never claimed responsibility for the bombing of the bridge on the morning of Oct. 8, a day after Putin's 70th birthday. Russia's Federal Security Service said the attack was organised by Ukrainian military intelligence. The explosion wrecked one section of the road bridge, temporarily halting traffic across the Kerch Strait. The blast also destroyed several fuel tankers on a train heading towards the annexed Crimean peninsula from neighbouring southern Russia. Russia in 2014 claimed administrative control of Crimea. Ukraine has vowed to return Crimea, which relies on the bridge for crucial supplies. Putin's ally Arkady Rotenberg's company built the vast structure, which is Europe's longest bridge. Putin has long lauded the project, saying at one point that Russian Tsars and Soviet leaders had dreamed of building it but never did. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Putin walks along Crimean bridge destroyed as 'birthday gift' in October