Intel chief says Kerch Bridge was not Ukraine’s target during latest attack
The relevant statement was made by Chief of the Main Intelligence Directorate at the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, Maj. Gen. Kyrylo Budanov in an interview with Krym.Realii [Crimea.Realities], commenting on the latest strikes on the Kerch Bridge, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.
According to Budanov, the damage caused was insignificant, as the weapon used by the Ukrainian side was aiming not for the Kerch Bridge but the other target. Meanwhile, the smoke screen that Russians had used caused panic among the local population.
Commenting on whether smoke screens can protect against missiles or drones, Budanov said: “Following their very dubious logic, the smoke screen should ‘blind’ the optical guidance system of guided cruise missiles. But, they have several guidance systems. And, besides, smoke will appear just above the bridge, which is the final span. Even if it ‘blinds’, where will it deviate at a distance of 100-200 meters? Nowhere, it will simply move by inertia. It is nonsense, they only scare their own population.”
Budanov emphasized that Russia’s use of containment booms or the sinking of vessels near the Kerch Bridge may complicate the work of Ukraine’s Defense Forces but will not stop them.
When asked whether Ukraine knows how the Kerch Bridge is protected, Budanov replied: “Obviously, we do.”
A reminder that, on August 12, 2023, following two explosions on the Kerch Bridge, Russians put up a smoke screen. On the night of July 17, 2023, several blasts were heard, and a span of the Kerch Bridge collapsed.
