Independent Russian media outlet Meduza quoted undisclosed sources saying the Kremlin is discussing a possible assault on Kyiv and even hopes for a full-scale victory by fall.
Full-scale invasion and national resilience, broadcasted live.
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Crimea Bridge Security Assured Despite HIMARS, Online Clock Troll Likely to Wait
So in conclusion, I think the Crimea Bridge is likely to be safe during this war, whether or not Ukraine gets HIMARS. The anonymous person who thought up the online "Crimean Bridge Down" countdown clock to troll Russia's Victory Day celebrations will likely have a long wait. /end
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ATACMS missiles within range of bridge, Ukrainian forces 260km away
Both systems can fire the MGM-140 Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS), with a range of 310 km (190 miles) and an accuracy of 10-50 m. This puts the bridge comfortably in range, with the nearest Ukrainian-held territory about 260 km away. /33
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US HIMARS/MLRS for Ukraine could threaten Crimea Bridge
At the moment it seems very unlikely – its current weapons won't reach that far. But this may be about to change – reports yesterday suggest that the US may be about to give Ukraine M142 HIMARS or M270 MLRS systems. This could indeed threaten the Crimea Bridge. /32
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Ukraine’s will to attack Crimea Bridge: Capability questioned
Ukraine certainly has the will to attack the Crimea Bridge. Oleksiy Danilov, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine said on 21 April, "If there is an opportunity to this end, we will definitely do it." But could it do it? /31
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Formidable defenses: Plavnik system, combat swimmers, and alleged combat dolphins guarding the bridge
* the Plavnik anti-sabotage system and sonars to monitor the waters around the bridge
* combat swimmers of the Black Sea Fleet and the special naval brigade of the National Guard, and allegedly combat dolphins. So, quite a formidable set of defences (on paper at least). /30 -
Ukraine’s bridge cutting threat: Propaganda, strategy, and Russian defenses
Cutting the bridge would be a big propaganda and potential strategic boost for Ukraine, as it could allow Crimea to be re-bottlenecked. But Russia is very well aware of this risk and has built extensive defences around the strait. /27
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Europe’s longest bridges: 19km structures symbolizing Russia’s 2014 Crimea annexation.
The bridge is actually two structures: parallel road and rail bridges, opened in 2018 and 2019 respectively. At 19 km (11.8 mi), they're Europe's longest bridges. They're literally concrete expressions of Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea. /25
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Russia repeatedly targets Pidyomnyy Bridge; status uncertain amid secrecy
Since then, Russia has hit the Pidyomnyy Bridge several more times. Its status is currently unclear, as the Ukrainian government seems to have thrown a blanket of secrecy over it – no more photos have emerged. But it's an expensive and inefficient method of attack. /21
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Dniester estuary bridge repeatedly attacked by Russian cruise missiles, showing limited damage
This bridge over the Dniester estuary has been attacked repeatedly by Russian cruise missiles. Photos taken after one of the first strikes showed only limited damage – a section of destroyed roadway but an apparently usable railway track and undamaged second roadway. /20