Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR) and the Ukrainian resistance successfully sabotaged a railway bridge in the occupied city of Berdiansk, which has been under Russian occupation since early 2022. The bridge, located between the Vodokanal utility company building and a car wash at Skhidnyi Avenue, was blown up after several explosions overnight, according to a HUR source. The port city of Berdiansk serves as a key transport hub for the occupying authorities to ship out looted grain and other resources from Ukraine. The destruction of the bridge paralyzed Russia’s railway connection with Berdiansk, preventing Moscow from supplying fuel, arms, and ammunition to its forces in the occupied city via railway. Russian state media dismissed the reports as a “blatant disinformation campaign,” attributing the blasts to exercises of Russian forces in the city and claiming that all bridges in Berdiansk remained intact.
Exiled local authorities in Berdiansk confirmed the explosions at the railway bridge, indicating that the bridge between the Vodokanal building and the car wash on Skhidnyi Avenue was indeed blown up. However, Russian media continued to deny these claims, dismissing them as part of a propaganda campaign and asserting that all bridges in the city were undamaged. Despite the conflicting reports, Ukrinform’s source refuted the Russian media’s claims due to a lack of visual evidence to support the intact status of the bridges. The Kyiv Independent was unable to verify the claims independently, as neither Ukraine nor Russia provided footage of the bridge after the alleged explosions. This incident highlights the ongoing conflict between Ukrainian forces and Russian occupiers in the region, with acts of sabotage and resistance occurring amidst the occupation of Ukrainian territories.
The destruction of the railway bridge in Berdiansk by Ukraine’s military intelligence and the Ukrainian resistance represents a strategic move to disrupt Russia’s supply lines and logistical operations in the occupied city. By targeting key infrastructure such as the bridge, Ukrainian forces aim to weaken Russian military capabilities and hinder their ability to sustain their presence in the region. The port city of Berdiansk holds significant importance for the occupying authorities, serving as a vital hub for transporting resources and goods out of Ukraine. The sabotage of the bridge impedes Russia’s ability to maintain control over the city and underscores the resilience and determination of Ukrainian forces in resisting the occupation.
The involvement of Ukrainian military intelligence and the resistance in carrying out acts of sabotage and resistance against Russian forces demonstrates the ongoing struggle for control and autonomy in the region. Despite facing a more powerful adversary, Ukrainian forces continue to engage in tactics aimed at disrupting and undermining Russian occupation efforts. The destruction of the railway bridge in Berdiansk is just one example of the sustained efforts by Ukrainian forces to hinder the operational capabilities of the occupying forces and assert their sovereignty over Ukrainian territories. This defiance and resistance signify the unwavering commitment of Ukrainian forces to defend their homeland and resist foreign aggression.
The conflicting narratives presented by Ukrainian and Russian sources regarding the destruction of the railway bridge in Berdiansk exemplify the information warfare that accompanies military conflicts. Both sides seek to control the narrative and manipulate public perceptions through their respective media outlets and propaganda campaigns. The differing accounts of the incident highlight the challenge of discerning truth from misinformation in the midst of a complex and volatile conflict. As the conflict between Ukraine and Russia continues to unfold, the importance of critical thinking and independent verification of information becomes increasingly crucial in understanding the reality on the ground and the motivations behind the actions of the warring parties.
Overall, the sabotage of the railway bridge in Berdiansk by Ukraine’s military intelligence and the Ukrainian resistance sheds light on the dynamics of the ongoing conflict in the region. This act of resistance underscores the commitment of Ukrainian forces to defend their territory and disrupt the operations of the occupying forces. The destruction of key infrastructure such as the bridge represents a strategic blow to Russia’s logistical capabilities in the region, further complicating their efforts to maintain control over Ukrainian territories. As the conflict between Ukraine and Russia continues, the resilience and determination of Ukrainian forces to resist foreign occupation remain a key factor in shaping the outcome of the conflict and asserting Ukrainian sovereignty.
