Russia Reinforces Crimean Bridge with Air Defense and ‘Mysterious’ Barrier Structures

Russia has started to heavily fortify Crimea with air defense systems and is constructing a “mysterious structure” near the Crimean Bridge, according to Ukrainian Navy spokesman Dmitry Pletenchuk.

Pletenchuk noted that while the exact purpose of the new structure being built near the Kerch Strait is not yet known, it indicates heightened Russian apprehension about potential attacks.

Pletenchuk explained that Crimea holds both pragmatic and symbolic significance for Russia. The peninsula, annexed in 2014, serves as a crucial base for the Russian Armed Forces, supporting operations in the southern region and facilitating personnel recovery, unit replenishment, and training sessions.

“The peninsula is filled with air defense systems to an extreme degree. For the occupiers, Crimea and the Crimean Bridge hold both practical and symbolic value. The Russian aggression in Ukraine began with Crimea in 2014, making it a key strategic location for them,” Pletenchuk said.

Earlier, the Russian forces were reported to deploy an extensive array of air defense systems, including the S-300, S-400, and even S-500, on the territory of the peninsula.

Regarding the ongoing construction around the Crimean Bridge, Pletenchuk mentioned that it could be for protective, technical, or even a parallel crossing structure. However, he emphasized that there is no definitive information on the exact nature or completion timeline of the construction.

The Telegram channel Krymskyi Veter reported that Russia is deploying barrier structures around the Crimean Bridge. According to their footage, large metal barriers, referred to as “ruffs,” are being assembled onshore, transported to sea via barges, and then sunk near the bridge using floating cranes. Additionally, conventional boom barriers and barge barriers have been installed around the bridge.

On September 2, it was also reported that Russia deployed a rare modification of the Pantsir-S1M air defense system on the Crimean Bridge. The presence of the Pantsir system is noted to have been in place for at least a month.

Previously, Oleksandr Syrskyi, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, expressed confidence in the possibility of reclaiming occupied Crimea.

Additionally, analysts suggested that Ukraine is paving the way for future air attacks after the arrival of F-16 fighter jets by targeting Russian military assets on the peninsula and the Crimean Bridge.