The brief notice published on the evening of July 29th by the Strategic Communications of the Armed Forces of Ukraine informs of another strike on the bridge near Chonhar. This is one of the two major road connections between the Crimean Peninsula and the mainland of Ukraine, precisely southern territories currently occupied by the russian invasion army.
There are no further details other than the strike itself was carried out that morning, in other words, the report was published with a delay. Ukrinform noted that the russian governor of Crimea Vladimir Saldo said a railway from the peninsula to the mainland was attacked with Storm Shadow missiles. Also, locals saw the Chonhar bridges closed for passage.
Read more: Ukraine’s Intelligence Chief Says Ukrainian Troops Will Soon Enter the Crimea While "Wagnerians" Pose No Dange
For a reminder, the two roadway bridges in Chonhar – one main and one reserve – were struck not long ago, on June 22nd this year. The russian sources claimed that Storm Shadow cruise missiles were used for the attack that opened a large hole in the middle of the main bridge making it unpassable.
Being as major a blow to the russian logistic as looks, however, it does not seal Crimea logistically. There is still a bigger hub on the way through the Perekop Isthmus and an alternative, although narrow, route via the Arabat Spit. But the important factor is that Chonhar bridges nourish the russian forces in Melitopol and other cities of Ukraine's south.
At the same time, Ukrainian forces keep pressuring the russians about 125 miles to the north from there, "gradually but surely" advancing in the Berdiansk and Melitopol directions, says Hanna Maliar, Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine, describing the operational situation in southern Ukraine.
In the east of the country, there are gains on the southern flank of Bakhmut, Maliar stated while refusing to disclose details until revealing more is safe and doesn't harm ongoing operations. The russian army is reinforcing the group deployed there with additional manpower and equipment.
Meanwhile, russians were trying to go on offense in Kupiansk and Lyman directions to the north. Having suffered heavy casualties, retreated.
Read more: Chonhar Bridges are Cut: Strategic Importance of the Bottleneck Bridges to Crimea and What Weapon Could Have Struck Them
