Ukraine reportedly attempted to strike the Crimean bridge using a modified S-200 anti aircraft guided missile repurposed into a strike variant. The claim came through a telegraph channel linked to the Russian defense establishment.
According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, on August 12 around 15:00 Moscow time Kiev launched another terrorist-style attempt targeting the Crimean bridge with the altered S-200 missile. Russian air defenses detected the weapon and localized it in airspace before it could reach its intended target.
The ministry stated there was no damage or loss of life as a result of the incident.
During the briefing, the ministry noted that Crimea’s leadership, including the region head Sergei Aksyonov, had been briefed and reported monitoring developments in the Kerch Strait area. An adviser to the Crimea administration urged residents to stay calm and follow guidance from security and transportation officials.
The authorities announced that traffic on the Crimean bridge was temporarily halted as a precautionary measure and that those present at the site and near the screening zones should remain orderly while security checks were conducted.
In a subsequent update, the Russian Defense Ministry reiterated that Ukrainian forces attempted to assault the Crimean Bridge using the converted S-200 missile.
Observers note that the incident comes amid ongoing tensions and is part of broader international security concerns surrounding the region. [Attribution: Russian Ministry of Defense]