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Russia announces opening of mainland road link to Crimea

Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu also noted that water supplies via the North Crimean channel had been restored

MOSCOW, June 7. /TASS/. A mainland road link is now available between Crimea and the rest of Russia, Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu said at a conference call on Tuesday.

"A mainland road connection between Crimea and the rest of Russia is now available, and unhindered water supplies to the Crimean Peninsula via the North Crimean channel have been restored," the defense minister said.

"The restoration of transport infrastructure and water supplies would benefit agriculture in the liberated territories," Shoigu said. According to his estimates, the region’s agricultural capacity could average 10 mln metric tons of grain and 1.4 mln metric tons of vegetables annually.

The Russian defense minister also reported that more than 27,000 metric tons of cargoes, including foods, essentials and medicines, had been delivered to local civilians and pledged that Russia would continue restoring social infrastructure and peaceful life in the liberated areas under its control.

Previously, drivers could only make it to Crimea from mainland Russia across the Crimean Bridge that spans the Strait of Kerch.