Russia isn't confident in protecting Crimean bridge due to Ukraine's ingenuity - UK intelligence

This is reported by the UK Defense Ministry.

On October 14, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin said that the damage caused by Ukraine in July 2023 to the Crimean bridge was repaired ahead of schedule.

"Although fully operational, use of the bridge remains restricted due to procedures enacted following the first Ukrainian attack in October 2022. Trucks and fuel supplies continue to be moved by ferry," the statement says. 

According to intelligence, the Crimean bridge will remain a vital link in support of Russia's occupation of Crimea and its forces in southern Ukraine. However, it has now become a major security burden, requiring multi-component protection, including the use of air defense systems and crews that would otherwise be deployed elsewhere.

"Russian security forces' confidence in their ability to protect this large and vulnerable structure will continue to be threatened by the ingenuity of Ukraine’s military and security services," the intelligence said. 

• In the evening of October 12, the occupation authorities of Sevastopol announced an air alert, and local publics wrote about the work of air defense and the alleged downing of a missile.

• On Friday, October 13, the Security Service and the Navy attacked the Buyan missile carrier and the Pavel Derzhavin ship with marine drones in the temporarily occupied Sevastopol.

• On October 13, Atesh guerrillas recorded the movement of Russian old military equipment from Crimea.

• On October 14, a report by the US Institute for the Study of War (ISW) noted that Russians are preparing for defense in Crimea.

• Natalia Humeniuk said that the occupying Russian troops cannot use the Crimean bridge for the movement of heavy equipment, it constantly has to be blocked.