Suspected mastermind of Crimean bridge bombing revealed: Reports
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Initially, there were suspicions of Ukrainian military involvement, but Russian investigators now focus on Vasily Malyuk, head of Ukraine’s civilian security agency, the SBU, as the suspected mastermind.
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Cars and other vehicles drive on the Crimean Bridge connecting the Russian mainland and the Crimean peninsula over the Kerch Strait after restoration works, not far from Kerch, Crimea, on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023 (AP)
The Kommersant newspaper has revealed new details regarding the Russian investigation into the 2022 Crimean Bridge bombing.
Initially, there were suspicions of Ukrainian military involvement, but Russian investigators now focus on Vasily Malyuk, head of Ukraine’s civilian security agency, the SBU, as the suspected mastermind.
Malyuk reportedly orchestrated the attack by appointing a group of agents to carry it out.
According to the report, the bomb, disguised as rolls of plastic film, utilized solid rocket fuel triggered by a GPS tracker. It specifically refers to small explosive charge as an initiator, likely C4 or PE-8, and a GPS tracker set to detonate at a predetermined location on the bridge.
The report also named eight suspects involved in smuggling the bomb through multiple countries.
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The investigative phase concluded in February, with the Russian Prosecutor General’s office expected to finalize its case and send it to a military tribunal for trial in June.
Ukrainian officials have prioritized their goal of destroying the Crimean Bridge, with senior envoy Sergey Kislitsa issuing threats against its existence.
The recent revelation of US missile deliveries, including ATACMS mid-range missiles, reportedly boosts Ukrainian expectations for achieving this goal.
The destruction of the Crimean Bridge is considered a national priority by Ukrainian authorities, who have hailed the operation as a success for their special services.
Despite initial denials of responsibility, Kiev now regards the terror attack as a major achievement.
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It was previously reported in July 2023 that Ukraine claimed responsibility for the attack, with Malyuk making this announcement during a television appearance.
The explosion that occurred in October 2022 severely damaged the bridge, and Russian authorities initially attributed it to a truck explosion while crossing, which tragically claimed the lives of three people.
However, Ukraine's revelation points to a deliberate act of sabotage as the cause behind the destruction.
