Russians are trying to protect the Kerch Bridge with barges

23 May, 2024 Floating barriers near the Kerch Bridge, 2023. Photo credits: Brady Africk Russian invaders add barriers around the Kerch bridge to protect against Ukrainian naval drones.

The Crimean Wind monitoring group released satellite images of the new barriers. Sections of barriers made of barges are installed for protection. The image captures that seven sections have already been installed.

"A total of 7 sections have been installed so far. Each section is 90-100 meters long," the statement said.

Barge barriers near the Kerch Bridge, 2024. Photo credits: Crimean Wind Telegram channel

According to the invaders, this can presumably protect the building from Ukrainian naval drones, which have a powerful warhead for blowing up structures.

Previously, the Russian invaders had installed protective floating barriers around the Kerch Bridge.

Floating barriers near the Kerch Bridge, 2023. Photo credits: Brady Africk

The first barriers consisted of special anti-sabotage barriers. Such structures are designed to protect against surface and underwater drones.

However, such barrel barriers with cables are easily torn down by storms. Recently, tied plastic barrels from this barrier were washed up on the Kerch embankment.

Parts of the Kerch Bridge barrier that were torn off by the storm, 2024. Photo: Crimean Wind Telegram channel

"About a dozen plastic barrels filled with foam are drifting along the Kerch Strait from the Sea of Azov," local residents shared.

Russia's use of the bridge decreased significantly after Ukraine attacked it with drones on July 17, 2023, and blew up a section of the road and railroad tracks.

Damage to the Crimean Bridge, July 17, 2023.

Photo credits: Baza

In 2023, Vasyl Maliuk, Head of the Security Service of Ukraine, disclosed the details of the special operation to blow up the bridge across the Kerch Strait in October 2022.