This past weekend, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) claims,
Russia began moving barges “into position to construct a substantial floating bridge over the Dnipro river, immediately beside the damaged Antonivsky road bridge.” The MoD asserts that the crossing is a critical link connecting Russian-occupied Kherson and the east. [i]
The Antonivsky bridge near Kherson looks very crisp this morning.
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) August 22, 2022
Reports say that up to 10 Ukrainian missiles have hit the bridge. pic.twitter.com/9MMujbyemi
Ukrainians recently carried out missile strikes in July and early August, using armaments from various countries, which rendered “two road bridges providing vital access to Russian-occupied Kherson” unusable. Russian forces had since resorted to using a ferry to cross the river. The connection was necessary to the Russians as they used it for supplies to Russian troops. After the Antonovsky bridge was targeted to cease the supply line over the Dnipro river. [ii]
Video showing the damage to the Antonovsky bridge after last night's HIMARs strikes.
— Oliver Alexander (@OAlexanderDK) July 27, 2022
A lot of new holes and the structural integrity of that span is now heavily compromised. Nothing heavy is going to safely be able to cross that span. pic.twitter.com/Xa8a7htJsk
Should Russia complete the improvised bridge, the MoD stated, “It will almost certainly increase the capacity of the crossing point compared to the ferry,” potentially turning the conflict on its head. Many have viewed the potential floating bridge as a threat to the edge Ukraine seemed to be gaining. Some believe that completing the floating bridge would allow the Russian Armed Forces to remain in Kherson without retreating to Melitopol. [iii]
The illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine is continuing.
— Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) August 24, 2022
The map below is the latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine – 24 August 2022
Find out more about the UK government's response: https://t.co/hHhseLcVgS
🇺🇦 #StandWithUkraine 🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/nYTCYSLKFK
Russia may use pontoon bridge sets to replace the Dnipro and Antonivsky Bridges.
Russia apparently wants to replace destroyed Dnipro bridge with pontoons!
— Uwe Rohlfing (@rasisneu) August 23, 2022
The Antonivsky Bridge is hardly usable, the Russian troops in Kherson fear for their supply according to the British intelligence. And: Moscow strengthens its access to the Internet! pic.twitter.com/33QoKKXSZJ
Pontoon bridge sets “provide support for armored and mechanised units in the crossing of water streams and bodies.” They can carry a capacity of 20 – 60 tons and up to 80 tons if modified. The bridge can span 1,253 feet or 382 meters. [v]
The MoD rounded off Wednesday morning by sharing a video paying tribute to the Ukrainian people and Armed Forces in recognition of Ukrainian Independence Day.
On Ukrainian Independence Day, we pay tribute to the unwavering commitment demonstrated by the Ukrainian people and their Armed Forces to defend their homeland. #StandWithUkraine #StandForFreedom 🇺🇦🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/RHYp5dbxj8
— Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) August 24, 2022
References
[i] Francesca Edwards, Putin’s plot exposed: Russia building ‘floating bridge’ in major war development, (Aug. 23, 2022)
[ii] Miriam Burrell, Russia creates floating bridge after Ukrainian forces destroyed key link, (Aug. 23, 2022)
[iii] Id.
[iv] Jack Walters, Russian politician detained after ‘discrediting’ Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, (Aug. 24, 2022)
[v] Ministry of Defence & Armed Forces of the Czech Republic, Pontoon Bridge Set PMS, (2022)
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