The main symbol of Putin’s power destroyed: Western experts on the kerch bridge explosion
In the morning, there was an explosion on a bridge across the Kerch Strait connecting transport from Russia to Crimea. Part of the bridge was damaged, making it much more difficult to deliver the heavy equipment used by the Russian army in the war against Ukraine. Analysts said it also dealt a powerful blow to the image of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.
– Such an iron-concrete bridge is quite difficult to destroy. It takes a lot of explosives and a good plan,” said Australian military expert Mick Ryan.
The Russian Federation wants to quickly rebuild the bridge to be able to transport weapons or equipment. However, former NATO forces commander Mark Gertling, that this is unlikely to be possible at this stage.
– Because of the damage to the railway and road sections, as well as the incompetence of the Russian troops, I don’t think the Kerch Bridge will be rebuilt any time soon,” he believes.
In his opinion, this event plays an important role in Russia’s war against Ukraine. Damage to the bridge significantly complicates the logistics of the Russian Federation, which was moving its troops to bring in additional forces and reserves. However, the Russians will try even harder to retain control of Melitopol and the sea, as these are ways to continue supplying weapons that the Russian Federation can still use.
– If we were struck by the exodus of Russians after the recent attack on the air base, now there will probably be even more willing to leave Crimea. The lack of trust in Putin and his troops will increase,” the former NATO forces commander is convinced.
Yale University professor Timothy Snyder also believes that the explosion did significant damage to the image of the Russian dictator by destroying the main symbol of Putin’s power – the Kerch Bridge.
It should be noted that the destruction of the bridge happened the day after the 70th anniversary of the Russian president. Former Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Linkevičius ironically noted that Putin was not left without gifts for his birthday.
