Russia
Putin drives over the repaired section of the Crimean Bridge
Russian President Vladimir Putin has toured the repaired Crimean Bridge, which was badly damaged in an explosion in October.
HANDOUT – In this photo released by Russia’s Federal Road Administration (Rosavtodor) via AP, workers repair the side of damaged spans of the road section of the Crimean Bridge, which connects mainland Russia and the Crimean peninsula, during restoration work near Kerch, Crimea from Kerch connects. Photo: Uncredited/Rosavtodor Press Service/AP/dpa – ATTENTION: For editorial use only in connection with the current reporting and only with full naming of the above credits
The state news agency Ria Novosti on Monday distributed videos showing the Kremlin chief at the wheel of a Mercedes driving on the damaged section of the bridge. The bridge leads from the Russian mainland to the Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea, annexed by Moscow since 2014. It is considered a multi-billion dollar prestige object of the Kremlin.
Deputy Prime Minister Marat Chusnullin reported to Putin on the work. Russian media had previously reported that car traffic had resumed.
Two sections of the 19-kilometer bridge collapsed in the explosion in October. They had to be replaced. According to Russian sources, four people were killed in the blast. Moscow spoke of a terrorist attack and blamed Kyiv for it. The Ukrainian leadership itself has not acknowledged this.
(SDA)