Russian President Vladimir Putin has driven across the bridge connecting to the Crimean peninsula, in a symbolic reclaiming of an infrastructure that was severely damaged by a truck explosion on October 8.
Russian official media have released images showing Putin driving the vehicle and accompanied by the deputy prime minister, Marat Jusnulin. The president explains that he is driving on one of the two sides of the bridge in the hope that the other side can also be «in perfect condition», according to the Interfax agency.
The Kremlin has explained in a brief note that Putin has received on the spot information about the progress of these repair works.
The partial destruction of the Kerch bridge was one of the most symbolic blows against Russia since the beginning of its military offensive in February. Russian authorities, who blame Ukrainian intelligence, have made several arrests as part of an investigation into alleged terrorism.
Inaugurated by Putin in 2018, it is one of the most important infrastructure works on the peninsula since its annexation in 2014 and a symbolic and practical example of this territory’s connection to Russia. The 19-kilometer-long structure comprises a rail transport track and a highway.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dimitro Kuleba said on Twitter on the day Putin visits the bridge he «illegally built» that «his aggressive ambitions» have not succeeded, nine months after he promised to «destroy» Ukraine «in a matter of days.»
«Ukraine will make sure that (these ambitions) continue to sink until they fit within Russian borders,» he added. Ukraine claims sovereignty over Crimea, as it does over four other eastern regions that Russia has also sought to annex this year.
