According to a report by the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defense, Russia has placed eight barges near Crimea’s Kerch Bridge in an effort to protect the structure from potential attacks by Ukraine. The Kerch Bridge, also known as the Kerch Strait Bridge, is of strategic importance as it links the Russian mainland to Crimea. The bridge was damaged in October 2022 by an explosion and was targeted again in July 2023. The bridge plays a crucial role in delivering supplies to Moscow’s military in southern Ukraine, prompting Kyiv to plan future strikes on the structure as part of efforts to recapture the peninsula, which Russia annexed in 2014.
The installation of the barges near the Kerch Bridge took place between May 10 and May 22, with the goal of defending the bridge and shipping channel by reducing the angles of approach for Ukrainian Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USV), according to the MOD assessment. Previous barriers in the area had been damaged by storms, decreasing their effectiveness. The MOD had previously highlighted the vulnerability of the Kerch Bridge following prior attacks, noting that it remains a vital link in Russia’s occupation of Crimea and its forces in southern Ukraine. The assessment also pointed out that the security of the bridge requires multi-domain protection, including the use of air defense systems.
The report by the British MOD also mentioned Russia’s use of barges to protect other sites, such as the Black Sea Fleet base at the port of Novorossiysk, where four barges were stationed to guard the entrance. This move was in response to strikes by the Ukrainian military on the Black Sea Fleet’s base in Sevastopol, Crimea. Russia has moved naval vessels to Novorossiysk following the attacks, indicating a broader strategy of using barges and other defensive measures to protect key military installations and infrastructure. These actions suggest that Russia is taking proactive steps to defend its interests in the region amid ongoing tensions with Ukraine.
The MOD’s assessment emphasized the continued threat posed to the Kerch Bridge by potential future attacks orchestrated by Ukraine’s military and security services. Despite efforts to protect the bridge using barges and other defensive measures, the vulnerability of the structure remains a significant concern for Russian officials. The report suggested that Russia’s confidence in its ability to safeguard the bridge will be challenged by the ingenuity and persistence of Ukrainian forces, indicating a complex and ongoing security challenge in the region.
Overall, the placement of barges near Crimea’s Kerch Bridge highlights the evolving security dynamics in the region, with Russia taking measures to protect key infrastructure from potential attacks by Ukraine. The strategic importance of the bridge as a supply route for Russian military forces in southern Ukraine underscores the significance of defending it against threats. The use of barges and other defensive measures reflects Russia’s commitment to safeguarding its interests in Crimea and the broader region, despite ongoing tensions and security challenges. The MOD’s assessment serves as a reminder of the complex nature of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the ongoing efforts to secure critical infrastructure in the area.
