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Crimea bridge not fully operational until September 2023, says UK defence ministry

09 November 2022 11:35 (UTC +04:00)

The UK Ministry of Defence has released its latest intelligence update, saying “Russian efforts to repair the Crimean bridge continue but it is unlikely to be fully operational until at least September 2023”, APA reports citing Guardian.

“On 8 November the road bridge was due to be closed to allow the movement and installation of a replacement 64-metre space. Three more spans will be required to replace the damaged sections,” it said.

“Although Crimean officials have claimed these additional spans will be in place by 20 December, a briefing provided to President Putin added that works to the other carriageway would cause disruption to road traffic until March 2023.”

“The damage to the bridge, the recent attack on the Black Sea Fleet in Sevastopol and the probable withdrawal from Kherson all complicate the Russian government’s ability to paint a picture of military success.”