Russia is constructing a new, unidentified structure near the Crimean Bridge, Ukrainian Navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk stated during a national television appearance on September 26, as cited by the Kyiv Independent.
The exact purpose of the project is still unknown, but Pletenchuk hinted that it could be a defensive structure or possibly another crossing point.
"It's a bit early to draw conclusions," Pletenchuk remarked, noting that the structure is unlikely to be completed "this season" due to deteriorating weather conditions.
A Strategic Location
The 19-kilometer-long Crimean Bridge, which connects mainland Russia with the occupied Crimean peninsula, has played a vital role in supplying Russian forces since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Construction on the bridge began after the illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014 and was completed in 2018.
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The bridge has been heavily damaged by Ukrainian strikes in October 2022 and July 2023.
In response to these attacks, Russian forces fortified the bridge with underwater barriers and occasionally shut it down amid reports of explosions and drone strikes.
Pletenchuk suggested it could be linked to defense measures or even an attempt to create another crossing.
"They are constantly trying to place something new in the Kerch Strait, whether it’s hydrotechnical or barrier structures. But periodically, storms send their efforts back to shore," Pletenchuk said.
Diminished Strategic Importance
According to Ukraine's Navy, destroying the Crimean Bridge now would not carry the same impact it once did. The Russian military has shifted much of its supply chain away from the bridge, reducing its importance for logistics.
Despite this, Vasyl Maliuk, head of Ukraine's Security Service (SBU), indicated that Russia may try to use the structure again for military supplies once it is fully restored.
The Crimean Bridge is also the subject of an ongoing dispute at the Permanent Court of Arbitration.
Speaking on September 23, Ukraine's Ambassador-at-Large, Anton Korynevych, called the bridge "unlawful" and emphasized that it must come down. He argued that Russia is using the bridge as a tool to dominate the Sea of Azov and the Kerch Strait.
