(Reuters) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has declared that the bridge connecting the Crimea peninsula to Russia is a military target as it brings war, not peace. The bridge suffered explosions on Monday, resulting in the death of two civilians and causing damage that temporarily halted its full operation. Ukraine did not directly claim responsibility for the attack, although they welcomed it, while Moscow blamed Ukraine. The annexation of Crimea by Russia from Ukraine in 2014 has fueled tensions, with Ukraine seeking to regain control of the region in response to Russia’s ongoing invasion.
Addressing the Aspen security conference in the United States via video link, Zelenskiy emphasized that the road and rail bridge, constructed by Russia and operational since 2018, serves a greater purpose than just transportation. He stated, “This is the route used to feed the war with ammunition and this is being done on a daily basis. And it militarizes the Crimean peninsula.” Recognizing it as an enemy facility built in violation of international laws and norms, Zelenskiy asserted, “A target that brings war, not peace, has to be neutralized.”
Responding to a moderator’s question about a potential connection between the attack on the bridge and Russia’s recent withdrawal from a U.N.-backed deal to export grain from Ukrainian ports, Zelenskiy denied any correlation. He accused Russia of hindering the grain corridor’s operation from the beginning and exploiting the situation around the Crimea bridge as an example. He added, “If not the Crimea bridge, they would have found another example, another reason.”
Zelenskiy also discussed Ukraine’s counteroffensive against Russian occupying forces, highlighting the extensive defensive lines and landmines set up by the invaders, which necessitated careful planning and preparation. While acknowledging that the counteroffensive has been slower than desired, Zelenskiy affirmed Ukraine’s determination to progressively liberate its territories. The current focus of the campaign is on recapturing villages in the south and regaining control of areas seized by Russia in the eastern part of the country.
Concluding his remarks, Zelenskiy expressed optimism about the future progress of Ukrainian forces, stating, “I believe we are approaching a moment when relevant actions can gain pace. I do understand it is better to see that victory comes sooner. This is what we want too.”
(Reporting by Ron Popeski; editing by Grant McCool)
Credit: The Star : News Feed
