The Crimean tunnel is a proposed underwater tunnel that would connect mainland Russia to Crimea, which Russia illegally annexed in 2014.[1]

Background

Following Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014, Vladimir Putin announced a massive public works project to construct the Crimean bridge.[2] The bridge was opened in 2018, with Putin personally taking the honorary first ride across the bridge.[2]

Reasons for possible tunnel

The Crimean bridge has served as a key logistics point for Russia's army during the Russian invasion of Ukraine.[3] Since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the Crimean bridge has been attacked and damaged twice. Once in October 2022, when a truck carrying a bomb detonated while over the bridge and again in July 2023 when a Ukrainian R-360 Neptune missile struck the bridge.[4] Building a tunnel across the Kerch strait could potentially negate the risk of an attack.

Construction plans

Building a tunnel across the Kerch strait, as it stands would be the longest tunnel in Europe and cost an estimated 5 billion US dollars.[5] Due to Russia's newly announced massive military budget of 122 billion dollars (accounting for nearly 1/3 of government spending and 6% of its GDP), a shortage of skilled labor and material restrictions due to sanctions, it would be difficult for Russia to build a tunnel all on its own, [6] That's why the Russian government and top Russian businessman have reached out to Chinese companies for help.[5] The US was extremely surprised to find out China would be willing to help construct and finance this tunnel since China does not recognize Russia's annexation of Crimea. China could potentially get money back for its investment through tolls on the tunnel.[7] If the project were to happen it would likely be worked on by Russian and Chinese companies.[5] On October 9, 2023, top Chinese and Russian businessman met in Sevastopol to discuss the project.[5][7][8]

Potential problems

Due to the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war any construction happening would be inside Ukrainian missile range and would be vulnerable to attack. In order to guard against this, Russia would likely have to move additional air defence systems from other critical areas of the front to ensure the safety of the project.[5] The construction project could take many years and may not be ready before the war ends.

References

  1. ↑ Barnes, Joe (2023-11-24). "Russia and China planning underwater tunnel link to Crimea". The Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 2023-11-24.
  2. 1 2 Roth, Andrew (May 15, 2018). "Putin opens 12-mile bridge between Crimea and Russian mainland" – via The Guardian.
  3. ↑ Kent, Lauren (July 17, 2023). "Why the Crimean Bridge is so important to Vladimir Putin". CNN.
  4. ↑ Edwards, Josh Pennington,Alex Stambaugh,Brad Lendon,Christian (July 17, 2023). "Ukraine claims responsibility for new attack on key Crimea bridge". CNN.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 Miller, Greg; Ilyushina, Mary (November 24, 2023). "Russian and Chinese executives discuss Russia-Crimea tunnel project". The Washington Post. Retrieved November 24, 2023.
  6. ↑ "Russia's parliament approves budget with a record amount devoted to defense spending". AP News. November 22, 2023.
  7. 1 2 https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/11/24/russian-and-chinese-business-leaders-discuss-undersea-crimea-tunnel-a83207
  8. ↑ https://www.kyivpost.com/post/24600
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