Putin Issues Order to Strengthen Security of Crimean Bridge and Surrounding Energy Infrastructure

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued an order to strengthen security in connection with the fire incident that occurred on the Crimean Bridge, which connects the Crimean Peninsula and mainland Russia. As Russian forces begin to lose ground to Ukrainian troops on key fronts, attacks on various infrastructures in the occupied territories are expected to intensify.

According to TASS news agency on the 8th (local time), the Kremlin announced that President Putin issued an order to enhance security for the Crimean Bridge and the energy infrastructure of the Crimean Peninsula. President Putin signed a presidential decree to this effect and granted the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) the authority to organize and coordinate related tasks.

The security enhancement targets include transportation crossing the Kerch Strait, the power grid between Russia and the Crimean Peninsula, and the gas pipeline connecting the Krasnodar region and the Crimean Peninsula. The Russian government stated that this measure aims to improve the efficiency of defending these transportation and energy infrastructures.

Earlier on the same day, at approximately 6:07 a.m., a powerful explosion was followed by a large fire on a freight train carrying oil on the Crimean Bridge. As a result, three people died, part of one side of the two-way vehicle bridge collapsed, and vehicle and railway traffic were temporarily suspended.

The Russian National Anti-Terrorism Committee announced that a bomb exploded in a truck passing over the vehicle bridge. An investigative committee formed under President Putin’s directive is conducting an investigation by identifying the truck owner’s identity, searching their residence, and tracking the truck’s route.

The Crimean Bridge is a key infrastructure connecting the Crimean Peninsula, known as "Putin’s sanctuary," and mainland Russia. Following this incident, concerns have arisen that fuel and food supplies to the Crimean Peninsula may be disrupted. Within Russia, voices suspect Ukraine as being behind the attack, but Ukraine has officially denied responsibility for the incident.