(Berlin) – A major shift in European missile policy has drastically increased the risk to Russia’s symbolic and strategic Kerch Bridge, connecting occupied Crimea to mainland Russia. The change follows a German announcement authorising Ukraine to use Western-supplied missiles at extended ranges – a move that could severely weaken Russia’s military foothold in the south.
Former RAF Air Marshal Greg Bagwell described the Kerch Bridge as a “totemic target” and suggested its destruction may now be closer than ever. He explained that new permissions and technological cooperation will enable Ukraine to strike targets deeper inside Russian-held territory. Bagwell warned, “You kind of wonder when it will happen – and what difference it will make.”
Berlin also confirmed a new defence partnership with Kyiv, allowing Ukraine to develop its own long-range weapons with Western support. This could significantly strengthen Ukraine’s ability to launch precision attacks on Russian military infrastructure, including command centres, logistics hubs, and even critical points like the Kerch Bridge.
The announcement came shortly after Russian dictator Vladimir Putin launched one of the most intense air campaigns against Ukraine to date. Ukrainian officials say that while these Russian strikes rely heavily on crude Iranian-style drones, Kyiv is now better equipped to hit back with far more advanced technology.
Ukraine has already demonstrated its expanding aerial reach with drone attacks deep inside Russia, including on Moscow’s outskirts. These operations have damaged arms factories and disrupted airfields, exposing weaknesses in Russia’s vaunted air defence.
Bagwell noted that while Ukraine had long possessed missiles capable of long-range strikes, political constraints had previously restricted their use. The lifting of those restrictions marks a pivotal change. He emphasised that Germany’s Taurus missiles – though not yet confirmed for delivery – could further deepen Ukraine’s ability to hit hardened Russian military sites.
Taurus missiles are similar to the UK’s Storm Shadow and France’s SCALP missiles, which Ukraine is already using. Their potential addition to Ukraine’s arsenal could allow for simultaneous strikes across a wider range of strategic Russian assets.
Bagwell added that Ukraine’s air campaign is also causing psychological disruption inside Russia. “When black smoke hangs over Moscow, people start wondering what is really going on,” he said.
The shift is not without risk. European nations remain cautious of being seen as directly involved in strikes on Russian soil, concerned about potential escalation. Still, as Ukraine continues to hit high-value military targets and infrastructure within Russia, the psychological and strategic pressure on the Kremlin is mounting.
With Ukraine now poised to scale up its missile warfare and manufacturing capabilities, targets once deemed untouchable – like the Kerch Bridge – may no longer be safe. And as Russian forces prepare for renewed offensives in Ukraine’s north and southeast, the ability to strike behind enemy lines could prove critical.
Bagwell made clear that Ukraine’s right to self-defence does not violate any international arms agreements, particularly as Russia, Iran, and North Korea are not signatories to treaties like the Arms Trade Treaty. “We should not be too shy about what we’re giving Ukraine,” he concluded.
Missile Green Light from Europe Leaves Russia’s Kerch Bridge Hanging by a Thread (Video)
Commentary and Europe
(Berlin) – A major shift in European missile policy has drastically increased the risk to Russia’s symbolic and strategic Kerch Bridge, connecting occupied Crimea to mainland Russia. The change follows a German announcement authorising Ukraine to use Western-supplied missiles at extended ranges – a move that could severely weaken Russia’s military foothold in the south.
Former RAF Air Marshal Greg Bagwell described the Kerch Bridge as a “totemic target” and suggested its destruction may now be closer than ever. He explained that new permissions and technological cooperation will enable Ukraine to strike targets deeper inside Russian-held territory. Bagwell warned, “You kind of wonder when it will happen – and what difference it will make.”
Berlin also confirmed a new defence partnership with Kyiv, allowing Ukraine to develop its own long-range weapons with Western support. This could significantly strengthen Ukraine’s ability to launch precision attacks on Russian military infrastructure, including command centres, logistics hubs, and even critical points like the Kerch Bridge.
The announcement came shortly after Russian dictator Vladimir Putin launched one of the most intense air campaigns against Ukraine to date. Ukrainian officials say that while these Russian strikes rely heavily on crude Iranian-style drones, Kyiv is now better equipped to hit back with far more advanced technology.
Ukraine has already demonstrated its expanding aerial reach with drone attacks deep inside Russia, including on Moscow’s outskirts. These operations have damaged arms factories and disrupted airfields, exposing weaknesses in Russia’s vaunted air defence.
Bagwell noted that while Ukraine had long possessed missiles capable of long-range strikes, political constraints had previously restricted their use. The lifting of those restrictions marks a pivotal change. He emphasised that Germany’s Taurus missiles – though not yet confirmed for delivery – could further deepen Ukraine’s ability to hit hardened Russian military sites.
Taurus missiles are similar to the UK’s Storm Shadow and France’s SCALP missiles, which Ukraine is already using. Their potential addition to Ukraine’s arsenal could allow for simultaneous strikes across a wider range of strategic Russian assets.
Bagwell added that Ukraine’s air campaign is also causing psychological disruption inside Russia. “When black smoke hangs over Moscow, people start wondering what is really going on,” he said.
The shift is not without risk. European nations remain cautious of being seen as directly involved in strikes on Russian soil, concerned about potential escalation. Still, as Ukraine continues to hit high-value military targets and infrastructure within Russia, the psychological and strategic pressure on the Kremlin is mounting.
With Ukraine now poised to scale up its missile warfare and manufacturing capabilities, targets once deemed untouchable – like the Kerch Bridge – may no longer be safe. And as Russian forces prepare for renewed offensives in Ukraine’s north and southeast, the ability to strike behind enemy lines could prove critical.
Bagwell made clear that Ukraine’s right to self-defence does not violate any international arms agreements, particularly as Russia, Iran, and North Korea are not signatories to treaties like the Arms Trade Treaty. “We should not be too shy about what we’re giving Ukraine,” he concluded.
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Amnon J. Jobi is sole Editor in Chief at The Daily Reformer®. He writes like it is 1998.
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