<p>There is a reason why the Kerch Bridge—the bridge connecting occupied Crimea to the Russian mainland—was attacked twice allegedly by Ukraine—the first time in October last year and then on Monday.</p>

<p>Ukraine’s much-touted counter-offensive that began in April hasn’t yielded the desired results so far. As it scrambles to land a decisive blow to the Russian forces, the bridge emerges as a key target for Kyiv.</p>

<h2><strong>Why is the bridge important for Russia and Ukraine?</strong></h2>

<p>The bridge is important for Russia from a strategic point of view, as it is the only way Kremlin can keep a hold on occupied Crimea and the southern Kherson region.</p>

<p>It is precisely for this reason that Ukraine wants the bridge to be destroyed and complicate Russia's logistical challenges, a key aspect of the early phase of Ukraine's counter-offensive, reports BBC.</p>

<p>In October, when a truck laden with explosives went off on the bridge, Ukraine was trying to rid&nbsp;the southern Kherson city of the Russian forces. Now, Kyiv wants to impede Russian forces’ advances that are currently occupying areas south of the Dnipro River.</p>

<p>Logistics hubs across the south have been repeatedly hit using long-range weapons supplied by Ukraine's Western backers.</p>

<p>Hence, Kyiv’s alleged latest attack on the Kerch Bridge must be viewed as part of their wider effort to liberate the southern areas that came under the occupation of Russian forces during last year's full-scale Russian invasion.</p>

<h2>Attack on Crimean Bridge: At least 2 killed in Kerch blasts, Moscow blames Kyiv</h2>

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<h2><strong>Bridge—a symbol of hatred</strong></h2>

<p>There’s another reason for Ukraine’s hatred towards the Kerch Bridge. It was inaugurated in 2018 by Russian President Vladimir Putin amidst great fanfare. It is considered a hated symbol of Russian occupation.</p>

<p>That is why after last October's explosion, which briefly crippled the bridge, there was euphoria across Ukraine.</p>

<p>In the latest counter-offensive, Ukrainian forces have retaken 18 sq km (7 sq miles) over the past week, Ukraine's deputy defence minister Hanna Maliar said on messaging app Telegram on Monday.</p>

<p>Those gains take the total area of reclaimed land to 210 sq km (81 sq miles) since the counter-offensive began.</p>

<p>Maliar also claimed that Kyiv's forces had destroyed six Russian ammunition depots in the space of 24 hours, a remark that hinted at Ukrainian tactics.</p>

<p>"We inflict effective, painful and precise blows and bleed the occupier, for whom the lack of ammunition and fuel will sooner or later become fatal," she was quoted as saying.</p>

<h2><strong>Ukraine takes responsibility</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier in the day, a Ukrainian security official claimed that the attack was carried out at the behest of Kyiv.</p>

<p>The nearly 12-mile crossing, which is the longest in Europe and holds huge strategic and symbolic importance for Moscow, came under attack on Monday. A couple&nbsp;was killed, while their daughter suffered injuries.</p>

<p>A source in Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) told CNN this attack was a joint operation of the SBU and Ukraine’s naval forces. The source spoke on condition of anonymity because they had not received authorisation to speak on the record.</p>

<p>Two strikes were reportedly carried out around 3 am&nbsp;local time Monday, damaging part of the bridge, according to the Telegram channel Grey Zone, which supports the Wagner mercenary group led by Yevgeny Prigozhin.</p>

<h2><strong>When will the bridge be restored?</strong></h2>

<p>According to reports, repairs could take this summer to finish as Russian officials are still assessing the damages.</p>

<p>A timeline for the restoration of the Crimean Bridge, which has parallel road and rail lines, will be "clear by evening", said Marat Khusnullin, the Russian Deputy Prime Minister previously tasked with the Crimean Bridge's reconstruction after a first blast in October 2022.</p>

<p>Moreover, it's not completely clear what's been damaged this time.</p>

<p>According to pictures circulating online, the latest attack appeared to be less damaging than the last one as there were no immediate signs that the rail bridge has been hit.</p>

<p>But Russia would want to begin the repair works soon as the rail link is the most important—it's been used to carry tanks and other heavy armoured equipment into Crimea from Russia.</p>

<p>Experts note that Monday’s attack won’t be the last as Kerch Bridge is within range of weapons such as the British-supplied Storm Shadow missile. As long as it serves any military purpose for Russia, it'll remain in Kyiv's sights, BBC reported.</p>

<h2><strong>Putin vows tougher response</strong></h2>

<p>President Vladimir Putin on Monday denounced the&nbsp;"terror attack" and called for tougher security measures after Kyiv targeted the&nbsp;bridge linking Moscow-annexed Crimea to Russia.</p>

<p>"Another terrorist attack was committed on the bridge last night," Putin said in televised remarks.</p>

<p>"I am waiting for specific proposals to improve the security of this strategic, important transport&nbsp;facility."</p>

<p>Earlier in the day, Putin chaired a meeting after the Monday attack and was briefed about the damaged part of the&nbsp;crucial bridge.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>

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There is a reason why the Kerch Bridge—the bridge connecting occupied Crimea to the Russian mainland—was attacked twice allegedly by Ukraine—the first time in October last year and then on Monday.

There is a reason why the Kerch Bridge—the bridge connecting occupied Crimea to the Russian mainland—was attacked twice allegedly by Ukraine—the first time in October last year and then on Monday. Ukraine’s much-touted counter-offensive that began in April hasn’t yielded the desired results so far. As it scrambles to land a decisive blow to the Russian forces, the bridge emerges as a key target for Kyiv. Why is the bridge important for Russia and Ukraine? The bridge is important for Russia from a strategic point of view, as it is the only way Kremlin can keep a hold on occupied Crimea and the southern Kherson region. It is precisely for this reason that Ukraine wants the bridge to be destroyed and complicate Russia's logistical challenges, a key aspect of the early phase of Ukraine's counter-offensive, reports BBC. In October, when a truck laden with explosives went off on the bridge, Ukraine was trying to rid the southern Kherson city of the Russian forces. Now, Kyiv wants to impede Russian forces’ advances that are currently occupying areas south of the Dnipro River. Logistics hubs across the south have been repeatedly hit using long-range weapons supplied by Ukraine's Western backers. Hence, Kyiv’s alleged latest attack on the Kerch Bridge must be viewed as part of their wider effort to liberate the southern areas that came under the occupation of Russian forces during last year's full-scale Russian invasion. Attack on Crimean Bridge: At least 2 killed in Kerch blasts, Moscow blames Kyiv Bridge—a symbol of hatred There’s another reason for Ukraine’s hatred towards the Kerch Bridge. It was inaugurated in 2018 by Russian President Vladimir Putin amidst great fanfare. It is considered a hated symbol of Russian occupation. That is why after last October's explosion, which briefly crippled the bridge, there was euphoria across Ukraine. In the latest counter-offensive, Ukrainian forces have retaken 18 sq km (7 sq miles) over the past week, Ukraine's deputy defence minister Hanna Maliar said on messaging app Telegram on Monday. Those gains take the total area of reclaimed land to 210 sq km (81 sq miles) since the counter-offensive began. Maliar also claimed that Kyiv's forces had destroyed six Russian ammunition depots in the space of 24 hours, a remark that hinted at Ukrainian tactics. "We inflict effective, painful and precise blows and bleed the occupier, for whom the lack of ammunition and fuel will sooner or later become fatal," she was quoted as saying. Ukraine takes responsibility Earlier in the day, a Ukrainian security official claimed that the attack was carried out at the behest of Kyiv. The nearly 12-mile crossing, which is the longest in Europe and holds huge strategic and symbolic importance for Moscow, came under attack on Monday. A couple was killed, while their daughter suffered injuries. A source in Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) told CNN this attack was a joint operation of the SBU and Ukraine’s naval forces. The source spoke on condition of anonymity because they had not received authorisation to speak on the record. Two strikes were reportedly carried out around 3 am local time Monday, damaging part of the bridge, according to the Telegram channel Grey Zone, which supports the Wagner mercenary group led by Yevgeny Prigozhin. When will the bridge be restored? According to reports, repairs could take this summer to finish as Russian officials are still assessing the damages. A timeline for the restoration of the Crimean Bridge, which has parallel road and rail lines, will be "clear by evening", said Marat Khusnullin, the Russian Deputy Prime Minister previously tasked with the Crimean Bridge's reconstruction after a first blast in October 2022. Moreover, it's not completely clear what's been damaged this time. According to pictures circulating online, the latest attack appeared to be less damaging than the last one as there were no immediate signs that the rail bridge has been hit. But Russia would want to begin the repair works soon as the rail link is the most important—it's been used to carry tanks and other heavy armoured equipment into Crimea from Russia. Experts note that Monday’s attack won’t be the last as Kerch Bridge is within range of weapons such as the British-supplied Storm Shadow missile. As long as it serves any military purpose for Russia, it'll remain in Kyiv's sights, BBC reported. Putin vows tougher response President Vladimir Putin on Monday denounced the "terror attack" and called for tougher security measures after Kyiv targeted the bridge linking Moscow-annexed Crimea to Russia. "Another terrorist attack was committed on the bridge last night," Putin said in televised remarks. "I am waiting for specific proposals to improve the security of this strategic, important transport facility." Earlier in the day, Putin chaired a meeting after the Monday attack and was briefed about the damaged part of the crucial bridge. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Explained | Here’s why Crimean Bridge was targeted twice during Russia-Ukraine war

<p>NATO allies on Wednesday pledged to provide a new air defence system to Ukraine, a day after President Volodymyr Zelensky made an impassioned appeal to the western allies for military support to help ward off Russian forces.</p>

<p>During a meeting of 50 countries at the headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, the western allies recommitted to provide further military assistance to Kyiv, which is facing a barrage of Russian missiles in the aftermath of the Kerch bridge explosion.</p>

<p>“The whole world has just seen yet again the malice and cruelty of Putin's war of choice, rooted in aggression and waged with deep contempt for the rules of war," US defence secretary Lloyd Austin told the gathering, sitting next to Ukrainian defence&nbsp;minister Oleksii Reznikov.</p>

<p>"But Russia's latest assaults have only deepened the determination of the Ukrainian people and further united countries of goodwill from every region on Earth," he added.</p>

<p>Germany said that it has sent the first of four IRIS-T air defence systems to Kyiv, with the country’s defence minister Christine Lambrecht calling it a "very important support for Ukraine in the fight against missile attacks".</p>

<p>Reuters reported that a senior NATO official warned of a “physical response” from NATO should Russia use&nbsp;nuclear weapons.</p>

<p>The official, however, did not detail what sort of physical response it might entail.</p>

<p>Earlier on Tuesday, while addressing the G7 leaders virtually, Zelensky urged the allies to help his country establish an “air shield” against aerial attacks.</p>

<p>“When Ukraine receives a sufficient number of modern and effective air defence systems, the key element of Russian terror – missile strikes – will cease to work,” he told leaders of the G7 nations Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States.</p>

<p>On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin intensified attacks on Ukraine, launching missile strikes across various cities in Ukraine, in response to the attack on the Kerch Bridge, which connects the Russian mainland to the annexed Crimean Peninsula.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>

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NATO allies on Wednesday pledged to provide a new air defence system to Ukraine, a day after President Volodymyr Zelensky made an impassioned appeal to the western allies for military support to help ward off Russian forces.

NATO allies on Wednesday pledged to provide a new air defence system to Ukraine, a day after President Volodymyr Zelensky made an impassioned appeal to the western allies for military support to help ward off Russian forces. During a meeting of 50 countries at the headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, the western allies recommitted to provide further military assistance to Kyiv, which is facing a barrage of Russian missiles in the aftermath of the Kerch bridge explosion. “The whole world has just seen yet again the malice and cruelty of Putin's war of choice, rooted in aggression and waged with deep contempt for the rules of war," US defence secretary Lloyd Austin told the gathering, sitting next to Ukrainian defence minister Oleksii Reznikov. "But Russia's latest assaults have only deepened the determination of the Ukrainian people and further united countries of goodwill from every region on Earth," he added. Germany said that it has sent the first of four IRIS-T air defence systems to Kyiv, with the country’s defence minister Christine Lambrecht calling it a "very important support for Ukraine in the fight against missile attacks". Reuters reported that a senior NATO official warned of a “physical response” from NATO should Russia use nuclear weapons. The official, however, did not detail what sort of physical response it might entail. Earlier on Tuesday, while addressing the G7 leaders virtually, Zelensky urged the allies to help his country establish an “air shield” against aerial attacks. “When Ukraine receives a sufficient number of modern and effective air defence systems, the key element of Russian terror – missile strikes – will cease to work,” he told leaders of the G7 nations Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States. On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin intensified attacks on Ukraine, launching missile strikes across various cities in Ukraine, in response to the attack on the Kerch Bridge, which connects the Russian mainland to the annexed Crimean Peninsula. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

NATO pledges to provide air defence system to Ukraine pounded by Russian missiles

<p>Justifying sending a contingent of Belarusian troops alongside the Russian forces towards its border, defence minister Viktor Khrenin said that the move was “purely defensive” as they wanted to secure their borders.</p>

<p>The clarification came days after Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, said that both countries have deployed their forces together, but didn’t reveal where they are being sent to.</p>

<p>The president’s announcement had coincided with the explosion of the Kerch bridge, which connects Crimea to Russia, prompting fears that Belarusian troops could join Russian forces to capture east Ukraine.</p>

<p>According to AFP news agency, Belarusian Defence Minister Viktor Khrenin released a statement on Tuesday attempting to justify the president’s actions.</p>

<p>"We emphasise once again that the tasks of the Regional Grouping of Forces are purely defensive. And all activities carried out at the moment are aimed at providing a sufficient response to actions near our borders," Khrenin said.</p>

<p>The deployment has raised fears that Belarusian troops could join Russian forces in their struggling mission to capture and hold territory in east Ukraine.</p>

<p>Belarus' Security Council Alexander Volfovich on Tuesday said that the concerns raised were unwarranted and speculated that the West might be considering attacking Belarus on that pretext.</p>

<p>"In the West, unfortunately, the opinion is being implanted that the Belarusian army may enter into a special military operation on the territory of Ukraine," he was cited as saying by the defence ministry.</p>

<p>"European countries are already openly considering possible options for aggression against our country. In the highest echelons of power in Ukraine, the possibility of striking at Belarus is also being discussed," he added.</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</p>

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Justifying sending a contingent of Belarusian troops alongside the Russian forces towards its border, defence minister Viktor Khrenin said that the move was “purely defensive” as they wanted to secure their borders.

Justifying sending a contingent of Belarusian troops alongside the Russian forces towards its border, defence minister Viktor Khrenin said that the move was “purely defensive” as they wanted to secure their borders. The clarification came days after Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, said that both countries have deployed their forces together, but didn’t reveal where they are being sent to. The president’s announcement had coincided with the explosion of the Kerch bridge, which connects Crimea to Russia, prompting fears that Belarusian troops could join Russian forces to capture east Ukraine. According to AFP news agency, Belarusian Defence Minister Viktor Khrenin released a statement on Tuesday attempting to justify the president’s actions. "We emphasise once again that the tasks of the Regional Grouping of Forces are purely defensive. And all activities carried out at the moment are aimed at providing a sufficient response to actions near our borders," Khrenin said. The deployment has raised fears that Belarusian troops could join Russian forces in their struggling mission to capture and hold territory in east Ukraine. Belarus' Security Council Alexander Volfovich on Tuesday said that the concerns raised were unwarranted and speculated that the West might be considering attacking Belarus on that pretext. "In the West, unfortunately, the opinion is being implanted that the Belarusian army may enter into a special military operation on the territory of Ukraine," he was cited as saying by the defence ministry. "European countries are already openly considering possible options for aggression against our country. In the highest echelons of power in Ukraine, the possibility of striking at Belarus is also being discussed," he added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

‘Purely defensive’: Belarus justifies troops deployment alongside Russian forces

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday (October 9) blamed Ukrainian secret service for huge explosion on Kerch bridge. Putin describes this as a 'terrorist act'.</p>

<p>"The authors, perpetrators and sponsors are the Ukrainian secret services," Putin was quoted as saying by Russian news agencies during a meeting with the head of the investigation committee.</p>

<p>Kerch bridge connects Russia with the Russian-annexed Crimean peninsula of Ukraine. It is a major transport route that provides soldiers and equipment for Russia's war effort in southern Ukraine.</p>

<p>"There is no doubt this is a terrorist act aimed at destroying critical Russian civilian infrastructure," Putin added.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Russian rockets hit residential building, kills at least 17</strong></p>

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<p>A truck bomb on Saturday ignited a massive fire on the road and rail link between Russia and the annexed Crimea peninsula, killing three people.</p>

<p>Ukraine has not claimed responsibility for the explosion.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-to-chair-security-council-meeting-on-monday-reports-523805">President Vladimir Putin to chair Russian Security Council meeting on Monday: Reports</a></strong></p>

<p>Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24. After sustained gains in first few months of the conflict, the Russian forces have had to retreat in the face of Ukrainian counter-offensive. The Ukrainian forces have been able to recapture thousands of square kilometres of territory in last one month.</p>

<p>Blast on the Kerch bridge and subsequent disruption of traffic was a symbolic, personal blow for Putin as he personally had inaugurated the bridge.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday (October 9) blamed Ukrainian secret service for huge explosion on Kerch bridge. Putin describes this as a 'terrorist act'.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday (October 9) blamed Ukrainian secret service for huge explosion on Kerch bridge. Putin describes this as a 'terrorist act'. "The authors, perpetrators and sponsors are the Ukrainian secret services," Putin was quoted as saying by Russian news agencies during a meeting with the head of the investigation committee. Kerch bridge connects Russia with the Russian-annexed Crimean peninsula of Ukraine. It is a major transport route that provides soldiers and equipment for Russia's war effort in southern Ukraine. "There is no doubt this is a terrorist act aimed at destroying critical Russian civilian infrastructure," Putin added. Watch | Russian rockets hit residential building, kills at least 17 × A truck bomb on Saturday ignited a massive fire on the road and rail link between Russia and the annexed Crimea peninsula, killing three people. Ukraine has not claimed responsibility for the explosion. Also Read | President Vladimir Putin to chair Russian Security Council meeting on Monday: Reports Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24. After sustained gains in first few months of the conflict, the Russian forces have had to retreat in the face of Ukrainian counter-offensive. The Ukrainian forces have been able to recapture thousands of square kilometres of territory in last one month. Blast on the Kerch bridge and subsequent disruption of traffic was a symbolic, personal blow for Putin as he personally had inaugurated the bridge. (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 ×

Russian President Vladimir Putin blames Ukraine for Crimea bridge blast

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly getting ready to chair his Security Council meet on Monday (October 10). The development will take place at a time when Russian forces have suffered military losses in Ukraine in the face of Ukrainian counteroffensive and part of the Kerch Bridge collapsed after a blast and fire.</p>

<p>As quoted by AFP, Kremlin&nbsp;spokesperson Dmitry Peskov made an announcement about this.</p>

<p>"Tomorrow, the president has a planned meeting with the permanent members of the Security Council,"&nbsp;Peskov said.</p>

<p>The Russian Security Council meeting has been convened after Putin ramped up security of the Kerch Bridge and appointed a new general for leading the operation&nbsp;&nbsp;in Ukraine after repeated setbacks.</p>

<p>Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24 this year. After sustained gains in the first few months of the war, Russian forces have had to retreat. The Ukranian forces have been able to recapture thousands of square kilometres of territory, including some that Russia had declared would remain Russia's 'forever'.</p>

<p>Announcement about Putin chairing the meeting has been made just a day after an explosion rocked a&nbsp;key bridge connecting Russia and Russian-annexed Crimea. The explosion caused some portion of the Kerch Bridge to collapse.</p>

<p>Kerch bridge is an important bridge as it transports troops and military material to Crimea. This in turn helps Russian military operations in southern Ukraine.</p>

<p>The bridge has a symbolic value and it was inaugurated by President Vladimir Putin himself as he drove a truck across it.</p>

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Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly getting ready to chair his Security Council meet on Monday (October 10). The development will take place at a time when Russian forces have suffered military losses in Ukraine in the face of Ukrainian counteroffensive and part of the Kerch Bridge collapsed after a blast and fire.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly getting ready to chair his Security Council meet on Monday (October 10). The development will take place at a time when Russian forces have suffered military losses in Ukraine in the face of Ukrainian counteroffensive and part of the Kerch Bridge collapsed after a blast and fire. As quoted by AFP, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov made an announcement about this. "Tomorrow, the president has a planned meeting with the permanent members of the Security Council," Peskov said. The Russian Security Council meeting has been convened after Putin ramped up security of the Kerch Bridge and appointed a new general for leading the operation in Ukraine after repeated setbacks. Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24 this year. After sustained gains in the first few months of the war, Russian forces have had to retreat. The Ukranian forces have been able to recapture thousands of square kilometres of territory, including some that Russia had declared would remain Russia's 'forever'. Announcement about Putin chairing the meeting has been made just a day after an explosion rocked a key bridge connecting Russia and Russian-annexed Crimea. The explosion caused some portion of the Kerch Bridge to collapse. Kerch bridge is an important bridge as it transports troops and military material to Crimea. This in turn helps Russian military operations in southern Ukraine. The bridge has a symbolic value and it was inaugurated by President Vladimir Putin himself as he drove a truck across it. 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 ×

President Vladimir Putin to chair Russian Security Council meeting on Monday: Reports

<p>Russia's Transport Ministry said on Saturday (October 8) that limited road traffic had resumed on the Kerch Bridge which was damaged in a major explosion. The ministry added that rail traffic was expected to re-start later in the day. The bridge is an important one as it joins Russia-annexed Crimea to mainland Russia. It is a key bridge for&nbsp;Russia's war effort in Ukraine as it transports men and machinery.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Part of the bridge collapsed after the blast early on Saturday. The incident took place amid Ukrainian counter-offensive in the eastern part of the country that has forced Russian forces to retreat. The bridge has symbolic value as well as it was inaugurated by Russian President Vladmir Putin.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Putin orders seizure of Sakhalin-1 project</strong></p>

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<p>Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24 this year. After sustained battlefied victories in initial months, the momentum appear to have shifted in Ukraine's favour in recent weeks. Ukrainian forces have recaptured thousands of square miles of territory from Russian forces.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, tourists and Crimean residents were seen in a queue that stretched up to 3 kilometres to leave the peninsula via a ferry crossing.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-repeated-setbacks-russia-appoints-new-general-to-lead-ukraine-invasion-523597">After repeated setbacks, Russia appoints new general to lead Ukraine invasion</a></strong></p>

<p>Tourist Natalia was among the thousands of cars lined up on the road leading to the ferry crossing.</p>

<p>She told Reuters there was no panic and people were waiting for good weather to be transported across the Kerch Strait.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-mocks-kremlin-over-blast-on-key-bridge-crucial-to-russian-war-effort-523577">Ukraine mocks Kremlin over blast on 'key' bridge crucial to Russian war effort</a></strong></p>

<p>A water station was set up by the roadside for motorists waiting to leave.</p>

<p>It is not yet clear whether the blast was a deliberate attempt.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Russia's Transport Ministry said on Saturday (October 8) that limited road traffic had resumed on the Kerch Bridge which was damaged in a major explosion. The ministry added that rail traffic was expected to re-start later in the day.

Russia's Transport Ministry said on Saturday (October 8) that limited road traffic had resumed on the Kerch Bridge which was damaged in a major explosion. The ministry added that rail traffic was expected to re-start later in the day. The bridge is an important one as it joins Russia-annexed Crimea to mainland Russia. It is a key bridge for Russia's war effort in Ukraine as it transports men and machinery. Part of the bridge collapsed after the blast early on Saturday. The incident took place amid Ukrainian counter-offensive in the eastern part of the country that has forced Russian forces to retreat. The bridge has symbolic value as well as it was inaugurated by Russian President Vladmir Putin. Watch | Putin orders seizure of Sakhalin-1 project × Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24 this year. After sustained battlefied victories in initial months, the momentum appear to have shifted in Ukraine's favour in recent weeks. Ukrainian forces have recaptured thousands of square miles of territory from Russian forces. Meanwhile, tourists and Crimean residents were seen in a queue that stretched up to 3 kilometres to leave the peninsula via a ferry crossing. Also Read | After repeated setbacks, Russia appoints new general to lead Ukraine invasion Tourist Natalia was among the thousands of cars lined up on the road leading to the ferry crossing. She told Reuters there was no panic and people were waiting for good weather to be transported across the Kerch Strait. Also Read | Ukraine mocks Kremlin over blast on 'key' bridge crucial to Russian war effort A water station was set up by the roadside for motorists waiting to leave. It is not yet clear whether the blast was a deliberate attempt. (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 ×

Limited road traffic has resumed on damaged Kerch Bridge, says Russia

The Kerch bridge that links the Russian mainland to Crimean peninsula has been partially destroyed after a blast hit the bridge. Ukraine has expressed joy but has not taken responsibility for the blast.

Crimea bridge partially destroyed after blast; Russian authorities say will be repaired soon

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