Moscow, 12 August 2023 (dpa/MIA) - After explosions were reported at the Kerch Bridge between the Russian mainland and the Ukrainian Black Sea peninsula of Crimea, Russia said its air defences shot down two missiles at midday on Saturday.

Moscow-appointed governor of the peninsula Sergei Aksyonov said on Telegram, "The Crimea bridge is not damaged." The information could not be independently verified.

Road traffic over the 19-kilometre-long structure was temporarily suspended. Photos and videos published on social networks showed columns of smoke on the bridge, which is strategically important for Russia. Residents also reported the sound of explosions.

Ukraine, which has been defending itself against Russia's full-scale invasion that began more than 17 months ago, plans to liberate occupied territories - including Crimea - in the course of its counteroffensive.

Photo: MIA archive