The Kerch bridge explosion severely damaged Russia's rail and road links to the Crimean peninsula. As per reports, Russia has already poor supply lines, and its forces are in retreat. The Kerch bridge damage also highlights Russia’s overreliance on the vital railway route, which is very vulnerable to attacks in the future. Ukraine has not claimed responsibility for the Kerch bridge incident.

Why Russia was suspended from UN rights council

Autoplay

1 of 5

Vote to remove Russia

The UN General Assembly has voted to suspend Russia from the world organization's leading human rights body - the United Nations Human Rights Council or UNHRC. This is over allegations of rights violations by Russian soldiers in Ukraine.

India abstains, China votes for Russia

The US-initiated resolution suspending Russia passed 93-24 with 58 abstentions. China voted against it, while India abstained. The 47 members of the UNHRC are elected by members of the UNGA. A two-third vote is needed in the General Assembly for removing a member.

Civilian killings in Bucha

The move came after videos and photos from the Ukrainian town of Bucha, which was in Russian hands for a few days, showed the streets strewn with bodies of civilians. Reports said evidence suggested torture and coldblooded murder of civilians. Ukraine has warned more horrific evidence could be unearthed in the next few days as the Russian troops withdraw. Russia has denied the allegations

'Politically motivated', says Russia

Ukraine thanked the world body for the action against Russia. Russia's deputy ambassador, Gennady Kuzmin called it "an illegitimate and politically motivated step" by a group of countries with "short-term political and economic interests". The Geneva-based organisation is tasked with spotlighting and approving investigations of rights violations

Second, after Libya

Russia is only the second country to have its membership rights stripped at the UNHRC. In 2011, Libya was suspended by the assembly following the violence that brought down longtime leader Moammar Gadhafi.

Officials announced that limited car traffic had been restored on the Kerch bridge as of Saturday evening. However, trucks are now requested to use ferries to cross the strait. This is a big step back as trucks must rely on rickety ferries and be subject to the weather conditions. The only other route for Russian supplies is dangerous air cargo flights to the region. This incident also puts more pressure on the rail line through Melitopol along the sea coast. A Russian rail hub in Donetsk was also hit on Saturday, likely impacting rail traffic to Donetsk and Luhansk.

FAQs

What were the other attacks by Ukraine that weakened the Russian supply routes?
The earlier attacks were at Izium, leading to the collapse around Kharkiv and Lyman, weakening Russia’s hold of Donetsk and Luhansk.

Why are these attacks pushing Russia to make decisions?
Russia is dependent on an ageing rail network to supply its forces. The patient series of strikes to cripple these supply lines is putting Russia in the position of having to reassess the situation and make decisions on how to proceed.

Disclaimer Statement: This content is authored by an external agency. The views expressed here are that of the respective authors/ entities and do not represent the views of Economic Times (ET). ET does not guarantee, vouch for or endorse any of its contents nor is responsible for them in any manner whatsoever. Please take all steps necessary to ascertain that any information and content provided is correct, updated, and verified. ET hereby disclaims any and all warranties, express or implied, relating to the report and any content therein.

Putin faces more grim choices after Crimea bridge damage

The damage to the Kerch bridge is the latest in a series of hits that the Russian supply lines have faced. Russian President Vladimir Putin maintains to keep quiet but faces important decisions on moving forward with damaged supply lines.