According to one report, there were secret discussions between Russian and Chinese officials The underwater tunnel connecting the Russian mainland to the Crimean Peninsula About building it. the Washington Post It was reported that Ukrainian security services intercepted communications between the two countries to discuss establishing a tunnel that would be immune to possible Ukrainian attacks.
The talks, which were said to “include meetings in late October”, were prompted by growing Russian concerns about the security of the Kerch Bridge. this The bridge has already been attacked twice by the Ukrainian army. Which caused serious logistical problems for Moscow because it serves as a major supply and logistics route between Russia and Crimea.
The proposed project would require a significant investment, possibly in the billions, while construction would take place in an active conflict zone.
According to the Ukrainians, the China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) stated in an email dated October 4 that it “is ready to ensure the implementation of railway and road construction projects of any complexity in the Crimean region.” This was not confirmed by an independent source or Beijing.
Cover photo: Kerch Bridge burning after the Ukrainian attack in October. Front page illustration, Source: Vera Katkova/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
