Due to the threat of the bridge: Moscow and Beijing discuss the Russian-Crimea Tunnel's project-WP
Due to Ukrainian attacks on the Crimean bridge, Russian and Chinese businessmen related to the government are discussing plans for the construction of an underwater tunnel to connect the Russian Federation with Ukrainian Crimea. About it reports The Washington Post. According to the interception of Ukrainian special services, which were received by journalists, negotiations between China and the Russian Federation took place at the end of October.
They are triggered by the clamping of the invaders on the safety of the Crimean bridge, which served as a key logistics node for the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, but has been attacked twice by Ukraine. The bridge remains a vulnerable military target. It is noted that the negotiations emphasize the determination of the Russian Federation to maintain its control over Crimea, which was illegally annexed in 2014, as well as Moscow's dependence on Beijing as a source of global support.
The potential construction of the tunnel will face huge obstacles, saying engineers and officials of the United States. The work of such a scale will cost billions of dollars and will last for years. In addition, no one built such projects in the war zone. The project will also create significant political and financial risks for China, which has not recognized the annexation of Crimea. In addition, Chinese companies run the risk of US and EU economic sanctions.
Nevertheless, copies of electronic documents say that one of the largest construction companies of the CRCC is ready to join the project. The letter was provided by Ukrainian officials who hope to expose the project and the potential participation of China. Journalists received additional information confirming Ukrainian documents. The Chinese CRCC Railway Corporation is ready to ensure the construction of rail and road sites of any complexity in the Crimean region.
The authors note that CRCC is a state -owned China that has built a large railway and car network in China. It also has significant connections with the Russian Federation, in particular CRCC participated in the expanded Moscow subway. The Chinese company refused to provide any comments. Georgy Muradov also refused comments, which is referred to as a permanent representative of the occupation administration of Crimea under the President of the Russian Federation.
Russian businessman Volodymyr Kalyuzhny, who is called the CEO of the Consortium in the documents, called the message "hot" and then refused to continue the conversation with the "hostile media". Emails also reveal China's attempts to maintain secrecy. One emphasizes that the CRCC will participate only if strictly ensured full confidentiality. The name of the company will also be replaced by a non -aphilized legal entity.
The other email mentions the Chinese Bank, which is ready to "convert its dollar funds in rubles to transfer them to the Crimea to finance the projects. " "It would be strange that either the consortium of the major companies of the PRC, or the government, support such a project. It seems that this project is a fairly easy target for Ukrainians," said an American official engaged in sanctions policy. Experts also believe that the Crimean tunnel will hardly be able to build until the end of the war.