Crumbling Crimean Bridge exposes fragile Russian defences

According to partisans from the Atesh group, the Russian Federation's attitude towards the state of the Crimean Bridge is becoming increasingly disdainful. They are publishing photos of deteriorating parts of the structure. Despite the Russians' best efforts and the deployment of virtually every available air defence system nearby, more parts of the bridge are being destroyed.

The Crimean Bridge is a key structure connecting the Russian-occupied Crimean Peninsula with the Taman Peninsula. The 18-kilometre-long bridge is primarily important for the Russian army's logistics.

However, according to the partisans from the Atesh group, the Crimean Bridge requires urgent repairs. Some structural elements of the bridge have begun to fall apart. "The Crimean Bridge is living through its last days. As a result of the damage, structural elements of the bridge are degrading, leading to the disintegration of its individual parts. The attitude to its condition is becoming more and more neglectful, no one pays proper attention to it anymore," the Atesh group reports.

In the attached photos of the bridge, you can see its structural elements collapsing. Increasingly serious damage is significant in terms of the structure's usability. This has been influenced, among other things, by multiple Ukrainian strikes in the vicinity of the Crimean Bridge, which over time have deepened its damage.

The partisans claim that the number of air defence systems in the vicinity of the aforementioned bridge has recently decreased, making it even more vulnerable. It is worth noting that Dmytro Pletenchuk, the spokesperson for the Ukrainian Navy, has recently commented on the protection of this strategic structure for the Russians.

The expert emphasised that the Russian Federation uses "all air defence systems, including the S-500, S-400, S-300, and Pantsir-S1" to ensure the structure's safety. Previously, the media had reported on constructing fortifications around the Crimean Bridge. The Russians constructed them in May and later upgraded them in July 2024.

The S-500, S-400, S-300, and Pantsir-S1 systems, which protect the Crimean Bridge, are key elements of Russia's air defence structure. The S-500 Prometheus can intercept targets at distances of up to 600 kilometres. This system is effective in countering ballistic and hypersonic missiles, making it a modern tool for defending against air threats such as planes, helicopters, and drones.

The S-400, on the other hand, is notable for its ability to track up to 80 targets simultaneously. This system can destroy threats up to 400 kilometres away. It is versatile, as it can counter both aircraft and ballistic missiles.

The S-300 relies on older technology but is still an effective air defence tool. It can simultaneously track up to 100 targets and destroy them at a distance of up to 200 kilometres. Missiles from this system achieve speeds of nearly 8,000 kilometres per hour.

Pantsir-S1 integrates artillery and missile systems. It is equipped with 30-millimetre cannons that can fire up to 2,500 rounds per minute, destroying targets up to 4 kilometres away. Its missile section has 12 launchers capable of striking targets up to 20 kilometres away. This system has two radars that are responsible for detecting and guiding targets.