Putin puts blame on Ukraine for Crimean bridge blast

Parts of the Crimean Bridge were destroyed however the bridge is still mostly operational says Russia. Source: Maxar Technologies, Twitter.

Vladimir Putin has blamed Ukraine for the explosion on the Crimean Bridge that saw three people killed calling it an act of terrorism.

Parts of the Kerch Bridge were destroyed on Saturday after a truck reportedly exploded on the eastbound part of the road-rail bridge.

The Crimea bridge was destroyed in a Suicide bombing. It will be the first suicide bombing that the mainstream media will celebrate. pic.twitter.com/cbjGIQ2bmw

— Syrian Girl 🇸🇾🎗 (@Partisangirl) October 8, 2022

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with the head of the Investigative Committee of Russia Alexander Bastrykin where he has said Ukraine is responsible for the blast.

“This is just as you’ve said, there is no doubt [about it]. This is a terrorist act aimed at destroying the critical civilian infrastructure of the Russian Federation. It was ordered, authored, and carried out by the special services of Ukraine.”

According to Mr Bastrykin, Russian investigations have “established the route of the truck” and said that it was a joint effort between Ukraine and allies with the truck having allegedly travelled through Bulgaria, Georgia, Armenia, and other places.

The Kerch Bridge plays an important role in military operations as it serves as a crucial supply route for transporting military equipment into Ukraine. It’s also closely located to the port of Sevastopol, which bases the Russian Black Sea fleet.

Putin also personally inaugurated the Kerch Bridge in 2018 which has since been a symbol of the Russian annexation of Crimea in 2014.

Despite parts of the 19- kilometre long bridge having been destroyed, light traffic and rail services have since started moving across.

“The situation is manageable-it’s unpleasant, but not fatal,” said Russian Governor of Crimea Sergei Aksyonov.

“Of course, emotions have been triggered and there is a healthy desire to seek revenge.”

Even though Russia has put the blame on Ukraine, they have yet to officially take responsibility for the explosion which took place a day after Putin’s 70^th birthday.

However several senior officials and public services have celebrated the incident including Defence Council Secretary Oleksiy Danilov and the Ukrainian Post Office.

Russia says that investigations will be ongoing.