Has Zelinsky Gone Too Far?

Yesterday’s attack on the Crimean Bridge came immediately after Ukraine’s operation “Spider’s Web,” during which Ukraine launched drones to attack Russian nuclear-capable long-range bomber planes across Russia. The drone strike, which took place on June 1, targeted four airfields deep within Russian territory. Ukraine claims that damages from the operation could amount to a staggering $7 billion.

Medvedev, former Russian President and current deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council, immediately wrote, “Retribution is inevitable. Our army is pushing forward and will continue to advance. Everything that needs to be blown up will be blown up and those who must be eliminated will be.” Other Russians are calling for the nuclear obliteration of Ukraine. Russia has the world's largest nuclear arsenal, made up of strategic weapons designed to target distant cities and tactical, or nonstrategic, weapons.

The Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky deemed the Spider’s Web operation "brilliant", adding on Monday "no one cares whether Russia is angry. We are not going to surrender, and we will not accept any ultimatums." The next day he tried to blow up the Crimean Bridge – for the third time.

On June 3, the Security Service of Ukraine said it had used approximately 2,420 pounds of explosives, damaging the underwater support pillars of the bridge. The Crimean Bridge, spanning twelve miles over the Kerch Strait, links Russia to Crimea and facilitates the transport of troops and supplies between Russia and Crimea. It is also dear to Putin’s heart, as it was officially opened by him in 2014 to celebrate the return of Crimea to Russia.

Russia confirmed that the bridge’s operations were suspended for about three hours between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m. local time but it was now fully functioning, so the attack had been unsuccessful.

But the worry is that Zelensky will drive Putin to use nuclear weapons, the consequences of which would be unspeakable.

Scores of Russian bombers have been destroyed at Olenya airbase following a drone strike (X/@Osinttechnical)

The moment the bridge linking Crimea to the Russian mainland is blown up in a huge explosion by Ukrainian forces. (Security Service of Ukraine)