Key to Crimea. American General Urged Kyiv to Destroy the Kerch Bridge.

Former Commander of U.S. Forces in Europe, General Ben Hodges, emphasized the importance of preventing the Kerch Bridge from falling into enemy hands in Crimea. He noted that this is crucial for Ukraine's security and would complicate Russia's ability to use the peninsula for its purposes.

"I believe Ukraine will regain control of the peninsula, as it is necessary for the long-term recovery of the Ukrainian economy. Without Crimea, Ukraine will not have access to its exclusive economic zone and everything else," he emphasized.

Russian troops have significant military infrastructure in Crimea

The Kerch Bridge currently remains under the control of the occupiers and is not operational due to high levels of defense. According to the spokesperson for the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Dmytro Pletenchuk, Russian troops have significant military infrastructure in Crimea that they are maintaining.

Russian troops are strengthening their presence in the annexed Crimea to protect the peninsula from potential threats and to keep it under control. They are increasing the number of military units in the territory, demonstrating their readiness to defend the occupied land.

The Kerch Bridge continues to be a critical strategic asset for Ukraine, as control over it is key to the country's security and territorial integrity.

They emphasized the importance of not allowing the Kerch Bridge in Crimea to be captured by anyone, as it plays a significant role in ensuring the country's security and complicates Russia's possibilities to use the peninsula for its purposes. Russian troops have significant military infrastructure in Crimea, and their increase indicates readiness to defend the annexed territory from potential threats. Thus, control over the peninsula remains an important task for Ukraine in the context of its security and territorial ambitions.