The umbilical cord from Russia to Crimea is vulnerable

The armed incident between Ukraine and Russia in the Kerch Strait concerns an important strategic issue: the viability of Crimea as part of Russia.

In early 2014, the Kremlin put the whole world on the wrong track with military operation prepared in the points. Russian elite units occupy the peninsula in a matter of hours. Ukrainian ports have fallen into the hands of Russia without struggle. "Crimea belongs to us", the Russian media rejoiced.

The resounding military success concealed the deeper strategic problems of annexation. A quick glance at the map tells us enough: the only land link is two provincial roads that run from the narrow Cherson Highway to Ukraine.

Crimea in the dark for weeks

Crimea is entirely dependent on the Ukrainian mainland for its supply of electricity and drinking water. If Kiev had wanted, he would have completely cut off the Crimea. However, in recent years, Ukrainian activists have knocked out wells and are not disturbed by the Ukrainian police. The consequences were obvious: Crimea was in the dark for weeks.

The Kremlin is aware of strategic issues. Less than six months after the annexation, the Putin government signed a billion dollar project: a land link between Russia and Crimea, over the Kerch Strait. Less than four years later, the Crimean Bridge was a fact: a technical achievement of scale. President Putin himself drove the first truck on the Crimea Bridge – a pity that he forgot his belt. The same Putin also opened the first of a series of power plants on Russian soil intended to feed the new territory.

Romcom on the Crimean Bridge

The Crimean Bridge became a symbol of Russia's sovereignty over the Crimea. Last month, even a romantic comedy about the construction presented in Russian cinemas: "De Krimrug. Made with love – Reference to Bond movie of the sixties: From Russia with love .

At the same time, one finds oneself in the Kremlindoordrongen of the vulnerability of the Russian umbilical cord on the Straits of Kerch. In the Russian media, there is a noticeable message about possible Ukrainian "provocations" against the bridge. The concrete threat that existed in Ukraine is not clear: during the annexation of Crimea, almost the entire Ukrainian fleet fell to Moscow. The military value of the two patrollers who tried to cross the street on Sunday is nil. But the symbolic meaning was great. Last September, two ships of the Ukrainian navy sailed under the Krimbrug without being bothered by the Russians. The Ukrainian commander did not ask permission – it would be an implicit recognition of the annexation of Crimea. "Hello!" Said Captain Kovalenko. "We plan to enter the twelve-mile zone."