russian naval security barriers kerch bridge found floating near coast piece boom defenses drifting off

Russian naval security barriers for Kerch Bridge found floating near Kerch coast

October 13, 2024

By Ukraine

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Boom defenses intended to protect the Kerch Bridge, which connects Russian-occupied Crimea to mainland Russia, have been observed drifting near the shoreline of Kerch, according to a report by RFE/RL‘s Crimea.Realii project on 13 October.

Russians constructed the bridge before its full-scale invasion to connect Russia to occupied Crimea. In July, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, in a July interview with The Guardian, refrained from specifying a timeline for the potential destruction of the Kerch Bridge. However, he emphasized that Kyiv plans to reclaim Crimea. “It’s real. Of course, it’s a big military secret,” the general stated.

These boom defenses are part of Russia’s efforts to protect the strategically important Kerch Bridge from potential attacks by Ukrainian sea drones. The bridge serves as a critical link for both civilian traffic and military supplies to the occupied Crimean peninsula.

According to RFE/RL, the correspondent from Crimea.Realii reported that fragments of the floating barriers were seen drifting in the area of Kerch’s city embankment. Some of these naval security barriers have been washed ashore by sea currents in the central district of Kerch.

Elements of Russia’s boom defenses for the Kerch Bridge washed ashore in Kerch. Photo: RFE/RL

In the summer of 2024, Russia began deploying barges on the southern side of the bridge. Subsequently, additional barges and floating boom defenses were installed parallel to the Kerch Bridge. Recent satellite imagery has revealed a significant increase in the number of barges protecting the bridge, highlighting Russia’s growing concern over its vulnerability, according to RFE/RL.

Ukrainian diplomat: Kerch Bridge must cease to exist for maritime freedom

On 4 October, Ukraine called for an Arbitration Tribunal in The Hague to order Russia to dismantle the Kerch bridge as part of efforts to restore free navigation across the Kerch Strait.

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