Traffic on the bridge was halted Monday morning due to an “emergency”.
Pictures from social media show that part of the bridge has split and is leaning to one side.
Russia now accuses Ukraine of being behind the attack, using water-powered drones overnight. This is what unidentified Ukrainian sources told Agence France-Presse.
Numerous photos and videos from social media will show the damage to the bridge. The photo has not been independently verified, but was reported by the Ukrainian newspaper Kyiv Post and others.
Photo: Twitter
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova also accused the US and British intelligence services of providing assistance to Kiev.
No evidence has been provided for these claims and they have not been independently confirmed.
The first reports of 3 explosions were received at night.
He claimed a Ukrainian defense spokesman early Monday morning that the explosion may have been a Russian provocation.
According to the Kremlin, Putin was informed of the explosions on the bridge.
– “Special Operation”
At the same time, an anonymous source from the Security Service of Ukraine told BBC Agence France-Presse reported that the attack was a “special operation” of the Ukrainian navy and security services.
– Looks like a naval drone attack. There is a lot of fire damage under the bridge, says Palle Ydstebø, Head teacher at Krigsskolen.
Traffic has been halted, but rail traffic is supposed to pick up again.
Ferry traffic between Crimea and Russia is set to be suspended for the time being, according to the Russian Ministry of Transport.
– Rail traffic is important for Russia, because this bridge is the only rail source they have for the forces of Crimea and southern and southwestern Ukraine, Ydstebø tells NRK, and continues:
– If Ukraine can cut it off, the Russians will have big problems saving the situation.
Strategically important
Two parents were said to have died on the bridge, according to the Russian city governor of Belgorod.
The Russian news agency (RIAA) reported that their daughter was among the injured.
The Kerch Bridge opened in 2018 and connects Russia to the annexed peninsula.
Photo: Reuters
The Russian-imposed authorities in Crimea said early Monday morning that there should be enough fuel, food and other necessities stored on the peninsula.
It is not yet known what happened to the bridge or the extent of the damage.
The bridge over the Kerch Strait connects Russia with Crimea, which Russia invaded and annexed in 2014. Thus, the bridge, which opened in 2018, is of strategic importance for the Russians.
On October 8 last year, parts of the bridge were destroyed in a powerful explosion that claimed the lives of three people.
Seven months later, Ukraine admitted its involvement in the incident.
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