Maria Zakharova, serving as the official spokesperson for Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, asserted that Moscow will not leave a fresh assault on the Crimean Bridge unanswered. The message appeared on the ministry’s telegraph channel and was widely reported as a formal statement from Russian foreign policy officials.
Zakharova stated that the Kiev regime had once again attempted a terrorist strike against the Crimean Bridge. She added that Crimea also faced a major drone attack that night, underscoring what she described as a pattern of aggression orchestrated from Kyiv. Her wording framed these incidents as part of a broader attempt to destabilize the region and test international resolve.
The diplomat emphasized that such attacks reveal the true character of the Kiev authorities in the eyes of the international community, arguing that the actions cannot be justified and will not go unanswered. Her remarks were presented as a warning that Moscow intends to respond in a manner consistent with its security and strategic interests.
Oleg Kryuchkov, who previously advised the president of Crimea, urged residents to stay vigilant and keep air defense measures in place, highlighting the ongoing emphasis on readiness and protection against aerial threats in the region.
On August 12, the Russian Defense Ministry reported an attempted Ukrainian missile strike aimed at the Crimean Bridge. Earlier, Sergei Aksyonov, the head of Crimea, indicated he was in the Kerch Strait area when two missiles were fired, a detail that added to the sense of imminent risk around critical infrastructure.
Movement on the Crimean Bridge was temporarily halted as security screenings proceeded. People near the facility were asked to remain calm and follow the instructions provided by transport safety personnel, with authorities prioritizing orderly conduct during the incident and the subsequent checks.
The Defense Ministry later issued a statement clarifying that the Armed Forces of Ukraine attempted to attack the Crimean Bridge using a modified S-200 surface-to-air missile, repurposed to strike a land target. This claim was presented as part of a broader catalog of confirmed attempts against regional infrastructure during the period.
Earlier reports referenced by Ukrainian authorities described the incident as a terrorist attack on the Crimean Bridge, illustrating the contentious exchange of statements between Kyiv and Moscow regarding responsibility and motive in the episode, while observers monitored the evolving narrative from both sides.