Russia and Chinese business executives held secret talks to discuss plans to build an underwater tunnel connecting Crimea to Russia,&nbsp;the Washington Post reported on Friday (Nov 25). The report based on communications intercepted by Ukraine's security services in October, Russia is hoping to establish a transportation route that would be protected from attacks.&nbsp;

It added that after analysing details of meetings in recent weeks, one of China's largest construction companies has signalled that it is ready to participate.&nbsp;

Crimea is a peninsula which was annexed by Russia in 2014 after a referendum that Ukraine and the West never recognised. The report noted that the discussions highlight Russia's aim to maintain its grip on Crimea.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/what-next-us-federal-reserve-on-the-cusp-of-policy-change-662661">What next: US Federal Reserve on the cusp of policy change</a>&nbsp;

WaPo report mentioned that US officials said that constructing a tunnel near the existing bridge would face enormous obstacles. And the engineering experts, have knowledge about work of this nature, said that such project which will cost billions of dollars and take years to finish.&nbsp;

The experts told the media outlet that Russia has clear reasons for pursuing it amid the ongoing war. As quoted, Alexander Gabuev, who is an expert on Moscow-Beijing relations at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, said that Russia "faces [the] risk that Ukraine will try to disrupt the Kerch bridge for many years to come".&nbsp;

One of the emails dated Oct 4 describes the Chinese Railway Construction Corporation as "ready to ensure the construction of railway and road construction projects of any complexity in the Crimean region".&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/exclusive-seychelles-foreign-minister-radegonde-says-india-has-championed-global-south-causes-662640">Exclusive: Seychelles Foreign Minister Radegonde says India has championed Global South causes</a>&nbsp;

<h2>Ukrainian sabotage of Crimea bridge 'overturns' naval operations&nbsp;</h2>

The head of Ukraine's main intelligence agency said in a video broadcast on Friday that a Ukrainian sea drone attack on Russia's Crimean bridge in July had "overturned" naval operations and forced Moscow to resort to ferries to move weaponry.&nbsp;

Vasyl Maliuk, head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), said the second of two major attacks in August had seriously disrupted operations on the 19-km bridge, Europe's longest, and dented the notion of Russian invincibility.&nbsp;

"We have practically overturned the philosophy of naval operations," Maliuk said in the first of a series of televised documentaries entitled "SBU, the Special Operations of Victory."

"We have destroyed the myth of Russian invincibility. The country is a fake. The bridge is doomed. Plenty of surprises lie ahead and not just the Crimean bridge."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos 
&nbsp;

Russia and Chinese business executives held secret talks to discuss plans to build an underwater tunnel connecting Crimea to Russia, the Washington Post reported on Friday (Nov 25).

Russia and Chinese business executives held secret talks to discuss plans to build an underwater tunnel connecting Crimea to Russia, the Washington Post reported on Friday (Nov 25). The report based on communications intercepted by Ukraine's security services in October, Russia is hoping to establish a transportation route that would be protected from attacks. It added that after analysing details of meetings in recent weeks, one of China's largest construction companies has signalled that it is ready to participate. Crimea is a peninsula which was annexed by Russia in 2014 after a referendum that Ukraine and the West never recognised. The report noted that the discussions highlight Russia's aim to maintain its grip on Crimea. Also read: What next: US Federal Reserve on the cusp of policy change WaPo report mentioned that US officials said that constructing a tunnel near the existing bridge would face enormous obstacles. And the engineering experts, have knowledge about work of this nature, said that such project which will cost billions of dollars and take years to finish. The experts told the media outlet that Russia has clear reasons for pursuing it amid the ongoing war. As quoted, Alexander Gabuev, who is an expert on Moscow-Beijing relations at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, said that Russia "faces [the] risk that Ukraine will try to disrupt the Kerch bridge for many years to come". One of the emails dated Oct 4 describes the Chinese Railway Construction Corporation as "ready to ensure the construction of railway and road construction projects of any complexity in the Crimean region". Also read: Exclusive: Seychelles Foreign Minister Radegonde says India has championed Global South causes Ukrainian sabotage of Crimea bridge 'overturns' naval operations The head of Ukraine's main intelligence agency said in a video broadcast on Friday that a Ukrainian sea drone attack on Russia's Crimean bridge in July had "overturned" naval operations and forced Moscow to resort to ferries to move weaponry. Vasyl Maliuk, head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), said the second of two major attacks in August had seriously disrupted operations on the 19-km bridge, Europe's longest, and dented the notion of Russian invincibility. "We have practically overturned the philosophy of naval operations," Maliuk said in the first of a series of televised documentaries entitled "SBU, the Special Operations of Victory." "We have destroyed the myth of Russian invincibility. The country is a fake. The bridge is doomed. Plenty of surprises lie ahead and not just the Crimean bridge." (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos

Moscow discussed Russia-Crimea tunnel project with Chinese construction companies

Russian Defence Ministry on Thursday (April 11) published a video showing military drills in the annexed Crimean peninsula involving a battalion of S-400 missile defence systems.

Russia stages S-400 drills in annexed Crimea

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Moscow discussed Russia-Crimea tunnel project with Chinese construction companies

Russia stages S-400 drills in annexed Crimea