The 19 kilometer bridge linking Crimea and Krasnodar was hit by a massive truck explosion on Saturday morning, killing two [possibly 3] people and causing part of a road section to collapse into the sea. Fuel tankers on the railway line adjacent were set on fire. The bridges’ arched superstructure appears to be undamaged. Plans have been announced regarding necessary repairs.
According to Russian newspaper Sputnik, Putin has said, “This was a terrorist attack aimed at destroying critical civilian infrastructure,” and that Ukraine Special Services (USS) “ordered, planned, concocted and carried [it] out.”
According to Sputnik, the chief investigator said, “The route of the truck has been established, and includes Bulgaria, Georgia, Armenia and the Russian area of North Ossetia and Krasnodar,” and informed Putin that USS received assistance from Russian citizens and foreign nationals in preparing the attack. The investigation continues into “explosive genetics” and forensics.
Putin signed an order for enhanced security measures for the bridge, and for energy infrastructure in the area nearby.
Rail traffic has resumed on the undamaged rails, as well as light vehicle traffic on the surviving roadway sections of the bridge. However, buses and heavy trucks are being asked to use the ferry service until the full engineering assessment has been completed.
Russian security services have arrested five individuals suspected of involvement in the Kerch sabotage operation. Three are Russians, the other two foreign nationals. Some evidence implies that British SAS played some role, perhaps only in planning. Investigation continues.