Ukraine’s military intelligence chief, Kirill Budanov, has left the future of the Crimean Bridge in question after declining to confirm whether Kyiv will strike the structure in 2025. Hopes of the bridge’s “fall” by the end of 2024 proved premature, Budanov acknowledged. “There was a possibility then. They could not at that time, that happens,” he said when asked why it was not destroyed last year. On prospects for the coming months he added only, “I do not know.”
Preparations may already be under way. Retired colonel and defence expert Roman Svitan noted that Ukrainian drones recently destroyed an S‑400 radar station in occupied Crimea. He believes this indicates planning for a broader campaign against the Kerch link. “That strike points to more to come,” he said, pointing out that air defence sites around Simferopol, Sevastopol and Kacha airfield are likely next.
Svitan estimates some 150 Russian military installations on the peninsula. “If Ukraine fires ten missiles at each, Russia will lose all military power in Crimea,” he asserted, paving the way for a ground advance by Ukrainian forces.
Oleksiy Neizhpapa, commander of the Ukrainian navy, confirmed that the Crimean Bridge remains a key target but urged strict information silence to safeguard operations. Aviation analyst Konstantin Krivolap agreed that Kyiv could destroy the span once a political decision is taken, citing Ukraine’s success against Russian air defences. Military commentator Pavlo Narozhny added that recent drone strikes signal a shift to deeper assaults on the peninsula.
