Three people were killed in the Crimean Bridge explosion in October. Ukraine's ability to strike a structure so far from the frontline was a setback for Moscow. Videos from the Kremlin now allegedly show Putin driving a Mercedes on the bridge.
According to the Kremlin, Russian head of state Vladimir Putin visited the bridge to the Crimean peninsula, which was partially destroyed in October. The Kremlin released video footage purporting to show the head of state crossing the bridge at the wheel of a Mercedes. It is said to be Putin's first visit to the annexed Ukrainian peninsula since the Russian military offensive began on February 24.
Partially damaged by a heavy explosion in October, the bridge connects Crimea across the Kerch Strait to mainland Russia. The Russian authorities had blamed Ukrainian units for the explosion.
"Vladimir Putin drove over the Crimean Bridge, which was being repaired after the explosion in October," the Kremlin said. Deputy Prime Minister Marat Chusnullin informed the head of state about the progress of the repair work.
Three people were killed in the Crimean Bridge explosion in October. That such an important structure could be hit so far from the front was seen as a setback for Moscow. The bridge, inaugurated by Putin, is primarily used to transport military equipment for the Russian army fighting in Ukraine.
In a phone call with Chancellor Scholz last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin said the recent massive rocket attacks against Ukraine were a response to "Kiev's provocations" against civilian infrastructure in Russia, including the Crimean bridge, which was badly damaged by an explosion.
In addition, Putin denounced "the destructive line of Western states, including Germany," which pumped up weapons and trained Kyiv's soldiers, the Kremlin said on Friday. Scholz, on the other hand, condemned the Russian attacks on the Ukrainian electricity and district heating network. Like US President Joe Biden, he also called for a diplomatic solution that would include withdrawing Russian troops. A Kremlin spokesman said that the "special military operation" would of course continue.
