Russia is utilizing barges to protect the Kerch Bridge in Crimea, with the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defense (MOD) reporting that eight barges have been spotted on the southern side of the bridge. The bridge, also known as the Kerch Strait Bridge, is of strategic importance as it links the Russian mainland to Crimea. It has been previously targeted with explosives in 2022 and 2023. Due to its role in supplying Moscow’s military in southern Ukraine, Kyiv has threatened further strikes on the bridge as part of efforts to reclaim the peninsula that was annexed by Russia in 2014.
The installation of the barges near the Kerch Bridge took place between May 10 and May 22, according to the MOD report. The purpose of the barges is to defend the bridge and shipping channel, reducing the angles of approach for Ukrainian Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USV). Previous barriers in the area had been damaged by storms, impacting their effectiveness. The MOD highlighted that the bridge has been identified as vulnerable following the previous attacks, and additional security measures are now needed to protect it, including the use of air defense systems and deploying crews specifically for this purpose.
In addition to protecting the Kerch Bridge, Russia has also reportedly used barges to safeguard other sites. In March 2023, four barges were stationed to protect the entrance to Russia’s Black Sea Fleet base at Novorossiysk. This move came after Ukrainian strikes on the Black Sea Fleet’s base in Sevastopol, which led to the relocation of naval vessels to Novorossiysk. The MOD assessment emphasized that Russian officials will continue to face challenges in protecting the Kerch Bridge from potential threats posed by Ukraine’s military and security services.
The Kerch Bridge is a critical infrastructure link for Russia due to its role in transporting supplies to Moscow’s forces in southern Ukraine. Despite the attacks and vulnerabilities highlighted by the MOD, the bridge remains essential for Russia’s occupation of Crimea and its military presence in the region. The ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, particularly concerning the status of Crimea, underscore the importance of safeguarding the Kerch Bridge. Russia’s deployment of barges as a defensive measure reflects its commitment to protecting this strategic asset from potential threats.
The reliance on barges to protect the Kerch Bridge points to the complex security challenges faced by Russia in maintaining control over Crimea and securing its military operations in the region. The presence of these defensive measures underscores the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, with the bridge serving as a focal point for tensions between the two countries. As Russia seeks to fortify its position in Crimea, the use of barges as a defensive measure highlights the strategic significance of the Kerch Bridge and the efforts to secure this vital transportation link.
Overall, the deployment of barges to defend the Kerch Bridge indicates the evolving security dynamics in Crimea and the ongoing efforts by Russia to safeguard its strategic assets in the region. The presence of these defensive measures underscores the challenging security environment in Crimea, where the bridge serves as a critical link between Russia and the peninsula. As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues, the protection of the Kerch Bridge remains a top priority for Russia, as evidenced by the utilization of barges as a defensive measure to deter potential attacks and maintain control over this vital infrastructure.
