Russia’s defense ministry announced on Friday that it successfully repelled a nighttime attack on the Crimea bridge, a strategic landmark built under President Vladimir Putin’s orders.
According to the AFP, the attack involved 12 US-made ATACMS missiles, which were destroyed by air defenses.
“The overnight strike was thwarted, and all 12 missiles were eliminated,” a defense ministry spokesperson said. “Our air defense systems proved effective in protecting the bridge.”
The Crimea bridge, which opened in 2018, connects Kerch in Crimea with Russia’s Krasnodar region. Ukraine has repeatedly targeted the bridge since Russia’s military offensive began in February 2022.
“We will continue to defend our critical infrastructure from Ukrainian aggression,” said the spokesperson.
Earlier on Friday, Russia’s defense ministry reported destroying five naval drones heading towards Crimea in the Black Sea.
The Kremlin has warned the US of “consequences” for supplying Ukraine with missiles used in attacks on Crimea, including a strike in June that killed four people.
“We will not tolerate such provocations,” said a Kremlin spokesperson. “Our patience is wearing thin.”
