Russia faces growing challenges as the Crimean Bridge deteriorates

According to partisans from the Atesh group, the Russian Federation's attitude towards the state of the Crimean Bridge is becoming increasingly disdainful. They are publishing photos of deteriorating parts of the structure. Despite the Russians' best efforts and the deployment of virtually every available air defense system nearby, more parts of the bridge are being destroyed.

The Crimean Bridge is a key structure connecting the Russian-occupied Crimean Peninsula with the Taman Peninsula. The 11-mile-long bridge is primarily important for the Russian army's logistics.

However, according to the partisans from the Atesh group, the Crimean Bridge requires urgent repairs. Some structural elements of the bridge have begun to fall apart. "The Crimean Bridge is living through its last days. As a result of the damage, structural elements of the bridge are degrading, leading to the disintegration of its parts. The attitude towards its condition is increasingly disdainful, and no one is paying it proper attention," the Atesh group reports.

The attached photos of the bridge show its structural elements collapsing. Increasingly serious damage is significant in terms of the structure's usability. This has been influenced, among other things, by multiple Ukrainian strikes in the vicinity of the Crimean Bridge, which have deepened its damage over time.

The partisans claim that the number of air defense systems near the aforementioned bridge has recently decreased, making it even more vulnerable. It is worth noting that Dmytro Pletenchuk, the spokesperson for the Ukrainian Navy, has recently commented on the protection of this strategic structure for the Russians.

The expert emphasized that the Russian Federation uses "all air defense systems, including the S-500, S-400, S-300, and Pantsir-S1" to ensure the structure's safety. Previously, the media had reported on constructing fortifications around the Crimean Bridge. The Russians constructed them in May and later upgraded them in July 2024.

The S-500, S-400, S-300, and Pantsir-S1 systems, which protect the Crimean Bridge, are key elements of Russia's air defense structure. The S-500 Prometheus can intercept targets at distances of up to 370 miles. This system effectively counters ballistic and hypersonic missiles, making it a modern tool for defending against air threats such as airplanes, helicopters, and drones.

The S-400, on the other hand, is notable for its ability to simultaneously track up to 80 targets. This system can destroy threats up to 250 miles away. It is versatile, as it can counter both airplanes and ballistic missiles.

The S-300 relies on older technology but is still an effective air defense tool. It can simultaneously track up to 100 targets and destroy them at up to 125 miles. Missiles from this system achieve speeds of nearly 5,000 miles per hour.

Pantsir-S1 integrates artillery and missile systems. It is equipped with 30-millimeter cannons that can fire up to 2,500 rounds per minute, destroying targets up to 2.5 miles away. Its missile section has 12 launchers capable of striking targets up to 12 miles away. This system has two radars that are responsible for detecting and guiding targets.