As Russia’s war escalates, will Ukraine down the Kerch Bridge in Crimea?
Al Jazeera
Top US general predicts Ukraine will destroy the bridge, a move that would strengthen its hand in any negotiations.
Russia’s war with Ukraine started when it seized Crimea in February 2014, and who ends up in possession of Crimea remains one of the biggest sticking points in ending the war.
So far, Ukraine has been unable to take Crimea back by force, and Russia has been unable to defend it effectively as a base of operations.
A United States general told Al Jazeera that Ukraine is likely to launch a major new campaign to win back Crimea this year and says Washington should fully support it.
“We could be 100 percent clear to the Ukrainians and the Russians that we are 100 percent in favour of them retaking Crimea however they do it,” General Ben Hodges said.
He added: “Crimea … is sovereign Ukraine, and there will be no US tapping the brakes if they take down that Kerch Bridge – which I do predict is going to happen this year.”
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