Devendra Kumar
Russia’s supply link to its forces in southern Ukraine has been severely disrupted after the Chongar bridge was hit by UK-supplied Storm Shadow missiles. The bridge, which connects the Moscow-annexed Crimean Peninsula to the Russian-occupied Kherson region, was destroyed in an attack that is likely to have a significant impact on Russian military logistics.
According to Moscow-appointed Kherson Governor Vladimir Saldo, the bridge was hit by air-launched Storm Shadow missiles supplied by the UK. Ukrainian authorities did not directly claim responsibility for the attack, but their military’s Southern Command spokeswoman, Natalia Humeniuk, emphasized the importance of disrupting Russia’s logistical supply chain.
The Chongar bridge has been a crucial connection for Russian forces in the region, and its destruction is likely to hinder their ability to supply troops and equipment. Russian authorities claim that traffic can continue on one lane of the bridge, but repairing it could take weeks.
The attack comes at a time when Ukrainian forces are probing Russian defenses in the early stages of a long-expected counter-offensive. Ukrainian authorities have repeatedly stated that the war cannot end until Russia Withdraws from the Crimean Peninsula, which it annexed in 2014, and from areas it seized during the full-scale invasion that started last year.
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu downplayed the significance of Western-supplied advanced weapons, such as the Storm Shadow missiles, saying that their impact on the course of hostilities would be limited. However, the attack on the Chongar bridge highlights the vulnerability of Russia’s supply chain and the importance of Ukraine’s efforts to disrupt it.
In the midst of the conflict, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal acknowledged that the counter-offensive is proceeding slowly due to the presence of minefields, which slows down the advance. He urged Ukraine’s Western allies to be patient, noting that Ukraine will proceed carefully in the high-stakes campaign.
The Crimean Peninsula is connected to mainland Ukraine by a narrow strip of land and several bridges, including the heavily damaged Kerch Bridge. The destruction of the Chongar bridge has further limited the transportation routes available to Russia, making it more difficult for them to maintain their supply chain.