The Russian bridge to the occupied Crimea is a “hostile facility” built illegally, contrary to international law, the Ukrainian president said during an online speech at the Aspen Security Forum conference. Volodymyr Zelensky pointed out that the bridge is a “target that needs to be neutralized.”
– For us, it is a hostile facility, built illegally, contrary to international law and appropriate standards. For this reason, it is our goal, and any goal that brings war, not peace, should be neutralized,” he said. Volodymyr Zelensky. He reminded that Russia “uses the bridge to supply ammunition and militarize Crimea.”
The Ukrainian president spoke via video link. The content of the speech was provided by the Ukrainska Pravda portal. Zelensky stressed that Kiev’s goal is to regain the Crimean peninsula as a sovereign territory Ukraine.
The Crimean Bridge in the photo from July 17, 2023Reuters
He admitted that the Ukrainian counter-offensive is progressing more slowly than expected. He explained that it was started later and gave Russia the opportunity to mine the areas and build a defense line. However, despite the difficulties, the Ukrainian forces are moving forward, the president argued. He stressed that Ukraine did not want to lose people and equipment, and therefore “were quite cautious about offensive operations.”
However, Zelensky assured that “we are approaching the moment when certain actions may gain momentum, because we are already passing through some places where there are mines and we are demining these areas.”
Damaged bridge to occupied Crimea
The bridge to the occupied Crimea, built by Russia in 2018, is one of the two main routes used by Russia to transport soldiers and military equipment to the south of Ukraine. On July 17, the bridge was severely damaged.
Representatives of Ukraine have not officially confirmed Kiev’s connection to this incident. The Russians opened one-lane traffic on July 18, and they intend to launch two-lane traffic in the fall. According to experts, this situation will affect the logistics of the Russian army in southern Ukraine.
Main photo source: Reuters