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Russia attacks key Ukrainian bridge used to export grain to Romania
British intelligence suggests that Russia has conducted long-range missile strikes on a strategic bridge in southern Ukraine in a bid to stop grain exports to Romania.
According to the National, the Zatoka drawbridge in the Karolino-Buhaz in the Odesa oblast serves as a vital passage for goods between Ukraine and its neighbour, which has become an alternative route to market after the country's own Black Sea ports were blockaded or destroyed in the war.
The bridge located 60 kilometres south of the city of Odesa was previously targeted by a Russian strike in April.
The latest attack suggests President Vladimir Putin’s army is stepping up its efforts to cut Ukraine off from outside resources while its main focus remains on the eastern region of Ukraine.
The UK’s Ministry of Defence said in an intelligence update on Wednesday (June 1): “Beyond the Donbas, Russia continues to conduct long-range missile strikes against infrastructure across Ukraine."
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“The strategically important bridge links Ukraine with Romania and with Ukraine’s ports on the Danube, which have become critical to Ukrainian exports after the blockade of Ukrainian Black Sea ports by Russia.”
Before Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24 the bridge was lifted five times a day for an hour to let ships pass through.
Source: thenational
