Russia's Putin drives across Crimea bridge two months after huge explosion

VLADIMIR Putin drives a Mercedes across the Crimean Bridge linking southern Russia to the annexed Crimean peninsula, less than two months since an explosion tore through one of the Kremlin chief's showcase infrastructure projects.

The 12-mile (19 km) road and rail bridge, which was personally opened by Putin in 2018, was bombed on October 8 in an attack Russia said was carried out by Ukraine.

Putin, accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin, was shown on state television behind the wheel of a Mercedes, asking questions about where the attack took place.

Putin also walked along parts of the bridge, Europe's largest, to inspect sections that are still visibly scorched.

Ukraine never claimed responsibility for the bombing of the bridge on the morning of October 8, a day after Putin's 70th birthday. Russia's Federal Security Service said the attack was organised by Ukrainian military intelligence.

The explosion wrecked one section of the road bridge, temporarily halting traffic across the Kerch Strait. The blast also destroyed several fuel tankers on a train heading towards the annexed Crimean peninsula from neighbouring southern Russia.

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[idoshkedi]

This seemed like an opportune moment to destroy the other half of the bridge.

[fjuvo]

It’s ironic that he drives a Mercedes- a German brand that now under sanctions can’t be even sold in Russia anymore

[lnt]

He truly showed the West the mighty power of Russia by driving on the bridge with a western made Mercedes.

[Kaikuuuuu]

Driving a Mercedes, probably also have western made watch, phone and all. Can't live without western products.

[riphaven]

I'm surprised he didn't cross the bridge on horseback shirtless.

[anabelavandenheuvel]

This bridge needs to be redecorated by the Ukrainians. 😁

[richardgilman]

Putin's body double behind the wheel.

[abb]

"Desperately ill Russian leader hands trembling as he soils himself driving to Crimea"

[m.g.debruin]

Putin must drive to Germany for repair his Merc.

[lorainechecksfield]

Would’ve been an ideal time for someone to smoke😂😂😂😂😂

[DaaronIrwing]

Waiting for him in frontline cities, not only in the bunker.

[Ukbrummie]

One last look at the bridge before it comes down and he knows it

[glennquagmire]

Didn't know Hobbits can drive hahahahahahah

[reecom]

When Putin opened the bridge he drove across in a big transportation lorry and visited the Crimea peninsular, this time around he went incognito and stop less than halfway across.

[BingBingBongBong]

Not the President of a country driving himself around…how embarrassing. 😂

[coldheartriddim]

How sweet of Vlad to finally turn up to feast his eyes on his birthday gift in person despite his very busy schedule. Better late than never!

[Joldjold]

In a "western" car, I thought he hated us?

[obstinatehammer]

Soon after the victory at Kherson, Zelensky was on the frontline. Putin can't muster the courage to go to the frontline and took him months to see the damage of the Crimea bridge. Why so weak?

[kurtdavidson]

It’s amazing that one man has caused so much death and destruction. I wonder if there really is a hell. If so I would hope there is a special spot for Mr Putin. One can only hope.

[SamiKotiranta]

Excellent chance for a bit of a HIMARS exercise, getting rid of the great orc lord would solve so many problems...
SLAVA UKRAINE🇫🇮❤️🇺🇦❤️🇫🇮❤️🇺🇦