Kerch bridge will still operate in limited mode after repair – UK intelligence

UK intelligence believes that the Kerch Bridge, although restored after damage, will be limited in providing Russian transport to occupied Crimea and will also require significant Russian resources to protect against new attacks. 

Source: UK Defence Intelligence review on Twitter (X) dated 19 October, as reported by European Pravda 

UK Defence Intelligence notes that on 14 October, Marat Khusnullin, the Russian Deputy Prime Minister, said Russia had completed the repair of the Kerch Bridge ahead of schedule after the damage it suffered because of a Ukrainian attack in July 2023.

"Although fully operational, use of the bridge remains restricted due to procedures enacted following the first Ukrainian attack in October 2022. Trucks and fuel supplies continue to be moved by ferry," the intelligence department notes.

At the same time, the bridge remains extremely important for Russia to remain in occupied Crimea and deliver supplies for its forces in the south of Ukraine. 

At the same time, the Kerch bridge has "almost certainly" become a significant problem for Russia since it requires constant comprehensive protection, including cover by air defence systems and the involvement of specialists who could be deployed by Russia for some other task. 

"Russian security forces' confidence in their ability to protect this large and vulnerable structure will continue to be threatened by the ingenuity of Ukraine's military and security services.," the review concludes.

Earlier, UK intelligence said that the Armed Forces of Ukraine were capable of hitting the new railway line to Mariupol, which is being built by the Russian Federation.

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