Boom defenses intended to protect the Kerch Bridge, which connects Russian-occupied Crimea to mainland Russia, have been observed drifting near the shoreline of Kerch, according to a report by RFE/RL‘s Crimea.Realii project on 13 October.
These boom defenses are part of Russia’s efforts to protect the strategically important Kerch Bridge from potential attacks by Ukrainian sea drones. The bridge serves as a critical link for both civilian traffic and military supplies to the occupied Crimean peninsula.
According to RFE/RL, the correspondent from Crimea.Realii reported that fragments of the floating barriers were seen drifting in the area of Kerch’s city embankment. Some of these naval security barriers have been washed ashore by sea currents in the central district of Kerch.
In the summer of 2024, Russia began deploying barges on the southern side of the bridge. Subsequently, additional barges and floating boom defenses were installed parallel to the Kerch Bridge. Recent satellite imagery has revealed a significant increase in the number of barges protecting the bridge, highlighting Russia’s growing concern over its vulnerability, according to RFE/RL.
Ukrainian diplomat: Kerch Bridge must cease to exist for maritime freedom
On 4 October, Ukraine called for an Arbitration Tribunal in The Hague to order Russia to dismantle the Kerch bridge as part of efforts to restore free navigation across the Kerch Strait.
Related:
- Ukrainian diplomat: Kerch Bridge must cease to exist for maritime freedom
- Ukraine calls for dismantling of Russia’s Crimean bridge in international tribunal
- RFE/RL: Russia ramps up Kerch Bridge protection with massive concrete piles
- Ukraine forces Russian fleet out of Crimea, but recapturing peninsula remains daunting task, experts say
- ISW: Russia began transporting fuel across the railway of the Kerch bridge again