Putin Accuses Ukraine Of ‘Act Of Terrorism’ After Crimea Bridge Explosion

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday accused Ukraine of carrying out a deadly explosion that damaged the only bridge linking Russia and Crimea, calling the blast an "act of terrorism," as Putin steps up invasion efforts in Ukraine and as Russia's rhetoric grows.

In a video address posted to the Kremlin's Telegram channel, Putin said there is "no doubt" that the Ukrainian special services carried out the attack on the bridge, which he said was "an act of terrorism aimed at destroying critically important civilian infrastructure."

Alexander Bastrykin presented the findings of an inquiry into the bridge's explosion to Putin.

The bridge was built six years ago and is a symbol of Russia's annexation of the peninsula.

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Russia has been accused of deliberately striking civilian targets like shopping malls and residential blocks, and reporters and investigators have documented widespread civilian killings in Russian-occupied parts of the country. Jake Sullivan, the National Security advisor, said in April that plans to "brutalize" Ukrainian civilians came from the "highest levels" of the Kremlin. Russia denies targeting civilians.

Key Background

Russian officials said that three people died in the blast after a truck exploded on the bridge. The bridge is an important part of the supply route used by Russian forces in southern Ukraine and it connects Russia with its Black Sea fleet. Light traffic was allowed on the bridge after the explosion. After Russian forces were forced to retreat and give up territory in the eastern Kharkiv region, Putin is ramping up invasion efforts. Biden warned that the risk of nuclear Armageddon is at its highest level since the Cuban missile crisis after Putin called up reserve troops, annexed parts of Ukraine, and said he would use nuclear weapons. In the past, Ukrainian forces have hit the peninsula.

Here is what it means for Putin's war efforts.

There is one main bridge in Russia. Someone is making fun of someone. There is a magazine called "Forbes."

Biden Warns that Putin's threats bring the risk of nuclear Armageddon to the highest level since the cold war.