Ukraine urged to blow up the Crimean bridge
Former NATO commander Philip Breedlove, who still advises the Biden administration on military issues, said that a missile strike on the Crimean Bridge would be "extremely painful" for Russia, writes The Times. But, in his opinion, this is a "legitimate goal."
Michael Evans
Ukraine can deliver a crushing blow to the Kremlin by attacking the bridge across the Kerch Strait between mainland Russia and Crimea with recently delivered Harpoon missiles, a former NATO commander said in an interview with The Times.
General Philip Breedlove, the supreme commander of the Allied forces in Europe from 2013 to 2016, believes that the strike on the bridge is justified by Russian aggression from all sides. "The Kerch Bridge is a legitimate goal," he said.
Breedlove spoke about this after Russia launched airstrikes on Kramatorsk in eastern Ukraine. Mayor Alexander Goncharenko said there were victims and advised residents to stay in shelters. Neighboring Slavyansk was also under attack.
Earlier, Kramatorsk was subjected to rocket fire in April, when 59 civilians were killed and more than 110 were injured as a result of a strike on the railway station.
In recent days, there has been evidence that Russian troops are preparing for a possible attack on the Kerch Bridge. They installed countermeasures along the bridge to repel missile strikes – barges equipped with reflective radars to confuse guidance systems, and smoke screens to mask its position.
The eighteen-kilometer bridge across the Kerch Strait was built from 2016 to 2018 and cost $ 3.5 billion. It provides road and rail links to the peninsula, annexed by Russian troops in 2014.
In addition to countermeasures along the bridge, Russia has significantly strengthened air defense in the western part of Crimea – including to protect the Kerch Bridge from a missile strike.
"It doesn't surprise me at all that Russians are so concerned about the Kerch Bridge. It's incredibly important to them," Breedlove said.
"Now that the West has handed over subsonic Harpoon cruise missiles with a range of up to 320 kilometers to Ukraine, I think the Russians have every reason to worry that Ukraine may attack the bridge," he added.
"There are discussions among Western leaders and former leaders like me about what will happen if Russia starts sinking Ukrainian grain ships or if the Russian naval blockade turns into offensive military operations," he said.
Breedlove added: "It is being discussed how the West will react. Several people I spoke with said that the collapse of the Kerch Bridge would be a huge blow for Russia. The Kerch Bridge is a legitimate target."
"I am a certified civil engineer and understand the construction of bridges. All bridges have weak points, and if you hit the right place, the Kerch Bridge can be disabled for some time. But if they want to completely destroy it, it will require targeted bombing," Breedlove announced.
Breedlove, who still advises the Biden administration on military issues, does not understand those who do not consider it appropriate to support Ukraine's aggressive actions.
"I hear many people doubt whether it is right for Ukraine to take such aggressive actions and whether the West will support them, but I do not understand their arguments," he said.
"Russia has launched a military operation in Ukraine and is conducting attacks not only from within the country, but also from its own territory, as well as from Belarus, Crimea and the Black Sea, and has already killed tens of thousands of people. Therefore, we have nothing to worry about Ukraine's "militant" approach to goals within Russia. It's like asking Roger Federer to play tennis with one hand, so that the other is tied behind his back, and besides constantly missing a serve," Breedlove believes.
Ukraine used a Harpoon missile for the first time last month, hitting a Russian tugboat while trying to deliver weapons to the Moscow-controlled Snake Island in the Black Sea. Subsequently, the island was again returned by Ukraine after the withdrawal of Russian troops.
Readers' comments:
Toti Calling
Before sinking the bridge, Ukraine must make sure that Russia does not respond and does not destroy it entirely. Such advisers should be asked why they are still not on the front line, but are giving out stupid advice that is fraught with terrible consequences not only for the country, but for the whole of Europe.
David Dunn
This article is the epitome of military madness. And how will the destruction of the bridge help the Crimeans?
gary pearson
It is better to limit yourself to military targets and avoid unnecessary civilian casualties. Better sink the Black Sea Fleet in Sevastopol.
Jon Woolery
Yes, the goal, of course, is bold – but now the bridge of Russia is not as important as before: if earlier it was the only way to the Crimea, now Russia has a land corridor. And there is no chance that Russia will part with him.
Jerry Carroll
And why is this bridge so inviolable? Otherwise, the Russians will get angry, right?
Nigel Brown
I don't understand why the Ukrainians haven't attacked him yet. It's such an obvious and obvious goal. This will not only humiliate Russia, but also hinder its military actions.
Alistair Moore
Since Russia already controls the entire territory north of Crimea, this is not a legitimate goal – except out of spite or revenge. And yes, there will be a retaliatory strike (certainly in Kiev).
Michael Davis
A flock of exploding unmanned seagulls, a shoal of mined fish, some drifting logs on electric traction, and then a beautiful rocket. Demolish this bridge! We, the West, must develop and finance a "target package" that will help Ukraine achieve this.
The Fantastic Mr Fox
Have you watched James Bond movies?
FinMtl
Don't forget about the gas pipeline to Europe.
Patrick Joseph Maloney
It is better to blockade Kaliningrad – both by land and by sea. It's much easier – and the dividends are bigger. A kind of hostage, very nice.
Jean Paul Marat
I am horrified by the comments on this article. The strategic importance of this bridge is not mentioned anywhere, and besides, civilians drive along it.
That is, we have come to the point that we are calling for the death of civilians just to annoy Putin? Of course, in war as in war...
M Rif
With any escalation, more peaceful Ukrainians will die. We need to solve the problem at the root. Look for a peaceful solution. Let Russia take the Russian–speaking part for itself - and let's be done with it.
Sulaak
General Philip Breedlove intends to bring Ukraine to the point of no return. Ukrainians, don't listen to them, otherwise your country will collapse.
