Harkiv (Ukraine) ∙ A violent explosion occurred on the strategic Kerch bridge connecting the Crimean peninsula with Russia. 3 people were killed. The explosion took place in a truck traveling on the bridge. Then the fire spread to 7 rail wagons which were carrying fuel. Russia said two parts of the bridge had partially collapsed, but rail traffic had been restored.
Within hours of the explosion, the Russian Defense Ministry ordered the handing over of the command of Russian forces in Ukraine to Air Force Chief General Sergei Zurovik. Zurovikin is the man who gained notoriety for bombing the city of Aleppo during the Syrian civil war.
There are indications that the explosion on the bridge, which is the pride of Russia, may prompt Russia to retaliate more severely. The truck that exploded was from southern Russia. Anti-terrorist forces raided the truck owner’s house.
The bridge was opened in 2018 for road and rail traffic from Russia to Crimea, which Russia seized from Ukraine in 2014. The 19 km bridge connecting the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov with the Kerch Strait is the longest bridge in Europe. It is the only road connecting Russia and Crimea. Meanwhile, the number of people killed in the Russian missile attack on the apartment in Zaporizhia has reached 17.
English Summary: Crimea bridge blast damages key Russian supply route