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Russian embassy comments on article in US paper calling to blow up Crimean Bridge

Russia’s embassy says an article in the Washington Examiner calling on Ukraine to destroy the newly-build Kerch Strait Bridge linking Crimea with mainland Russia is a provocation

WASHINGTON, May 17. /TASS/. Russia’s embassy in the United States said on Wednesday an article in the Washington Examiner calling on Ukraine to destroy the newly-build Kerch Strait Bridge linking Crimea with mainland Russia is a provocation.

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Start your engines: Putin driving truck, opens newly-built Crimean Bridge

"On May 15, the Washington Examiner published a provocative article by Tom Rogan, which calls to blow up the Kerch Strait Bridge. The freedom of speech cannot be used as justification for calls for an act of terror or killing of people. We consider this article as a reflection of actual plans of a certain part of Washington’s Establishment who stick to the course towards instigating hatred between Ukraine and Russia," the embassy said.

Thus, Rogan wrote in particular that "Ukraine should now destroy elements of the bridge" and that it "has the means to launch air strikes against the bridge."

"Such publications are beyond journalistic ethics. We expect the Washington Examiner to explain to which extent this material reflects its editorial policy. We would like to remind that Russian laws envisage criminal persecution of those who publicly call for terrorist activities and conduct propaganda of terrorism," the embassy stressed.

Russian President Vladimir Putin took part in the opening ceremony of the Kerch Strait Bridge’s motorway section on Tuesday, driving the lead vehicle of the construction equipment convoy. The construction of the bridge linking the Crimean Peninsula with mainland Russia kicked off in February 2016. The construction of its railway section continues, its opening is scheduled for 2019. The bridge originates on the Taman Peninsula, runs through a five-kilometer dike area and the Island of Tuzla, then crosses the Kerch Strait and reaches the Crimean coast.

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Europe's longest span: Kerch Strait Bridge braces for traffic

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