After repeated strikes by the Ukrainian armed forces on the Crimean bridge, Russians are looking for alternative ways to access the occupied Crimea. Russian and Chinese businessmen associated with the government are discussing the construction of an underwater tunnel connecting Russia with the peninsula. This is reported by The Washington Post.
It is noted that the talks, which took place in late October, were prompted by Russia's growing concern about the security of the illegally built bridge across the Kerch Strait. It is a key logistical line for the Russian army, but has twice been the target of attacks by the Ukrainian armed forces and still remains a vulnerable target for Ukrainian troops.
According to US officials and engineers, the idea would be difficult to implement. Billions of dollars would need to be spent on construction, which would take years. In addition, such work has never been done in a combat zone.
However, despite doubts about the viability of the plan, experts point out that Russia has clear reasons for its implementation.
"Having failed to win a decisive victory in the war, Russia faces the risk that Ukraine will try to disrupt the Kerch bridge in the coming years," said Alexander Gabuev, an expert on relations between Moscow and Beijing.
Analysts point out that the Kerch tunnel will probably not be completed in time to help Russia in its military efforts. Moscow may see it as a long-term investment - a goal that will provide a secure link to a territory that can be competed for for decades.
The project will also pose political and financial risks for China, which has never officially recognized Russia's annexation of Crimea and whose companies may be trapped by economic sanctions imposed by the US and EU on the aggressor country.
Nevertheless, intercepted emails indicate that one of China's largest construction companies has expressed its willingness to participate. These emails were provided by Ukrainian officials to WP.
One of the messages states that the Chinese Railway Construction Corporation CRCC is "ready to ensure the construction of railway and road facilities of any complexity in the Crimean region."
Russia is considering building an underwater tunnel to Crimea and is in talks with China - WP
- War
- 24 November 2023 -13:00
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Russia is considering building an underwater tunnel to Crimea and is in talks with China - WP
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After repeated strikes by the Ukrainian armed forces on the Crimean bridge, Russians are looking for alternative ways to access the occupied Crimea. Russian and Chinese businessmen associated with the government are discussing the construction of an underwater tunnel connecting Russia with the peninsula. This is reported by The Washington Post.
It is noted that the talks, which took place in late October, were prompted by Russia's growing concern about the security of the illegally built bridge across the Kerch Strait. It is a key logistical line for the Russian army, but has twice been the target of attacks by the Ukrainian armed forces and still remains a vulnerable target for Ukrainian troops.
According to US officials and engineers, the idea would be difficult to implement. Billions of dollars would need to be spent on construction, which would take years. In addition, such work has never been done in a combat zone.
However, despite doubts about the viability of the plan, experts point out that Russia has clear reasons for its implementation.
"Having failed to win a decisive victory in the war, Russia faces the risk that Ukraine will try to disrupt the Kerch bridge in the coming years," said Alexander Gabuev, an expert on relations between Moscow and Beijing.
Analysts point out that the Kerch tunnel will probably not be completed in time to help Russia in its military efforts. Moscow may see it as a long-term investment - a goal that will provide a secure link to a territory that can be competed for for decades.
The project will also pose political and financial risks for China, which has never officially recognized Russia's annexation of Crimea and whose companies may be trapped by economic sanctions imposed by the US and EU on the aggressor country.
Nevertheless, intercepted emails indicate that one of China's largest construction companies has expressed its willingness to participate. These emails were provided by Ukrainian officials to WP.
One of the messages states that the Chinese Railway Construction Corporation CRCC is "ready to ensure the construction of railway and road facilities of any complexity in the Crimean region."