Kyiv, Ukraine – In a bold move indicative of escalating tensions, Ukrainian intelligence has devised a plan to demolish the Kerch Bridge, connecting the Crimean peninsula to Russia, by the first half of 2024. This clandestine operation, revealed by sources within Ukraine’s intelligence community to the British newspaper The Guardian, underscores Ukraine’s determination to challenge Russian control over Crimea.

Officials from Ukraine’s military intelligence service (GUR) disclosed to The Guardian that, alongside ongoing drone attacks targeting Russian assets in the annexed peninsula, Kyiv aims to make its third attempt at destroying the Kerch Bridge. The ambitious plan, slated for execution in the coming months, has reportedly received approval from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

A high-ranking GUR official divulged that preparations for the demolition are well underway, with Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Ukraine’s intelligence services, securing most of the necessary resources to achieve the mission. The Kerch Bridge, spanning 19 kilometers, serves as a vital link between Crimea and Russia, symbolizing President Vladimir Putin’s assertion of Russian authority over the region since its annexation in 2014.

The significance of the bridge extends beyond infrastructure; it embodies conflicting narratives of sovereignty and control. For Putin, the bridge stands as a testament to Russia’s territorial gains, while for Ukrainians, it represents an enduring symbol of the Kremlin’s illegal annexation. The destruction of the bridge would not only disrupt Russian naval presence in the Black Sea but also bolster Ukrainian morale on the battlefield and garner international support for Crimea’s liberation.

Zelenskyy’s endorsement of the plan reflects Ukraine’s strategic imperative to counter Russian aggression and reclaim control over Crimea. The President’s efforts to procure advanced weaponry, including Germany’s Taurus KEPD-350 missile system, underscore Ukraine’s resolve to bolster its military capabilities against Russian incursions. However, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s reluctance to supply arms highlights the delicate balance of power in Europe and the risks of confrontation between NATO forces and Russia.

As tensions continue to simmer in the region, Ukraine remains steadfast in its quest for sovereignty and territorial integrity, with the demolition of the Kerch Bridge emerging as a pivotal juncture in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.