Rapid Russian rebuild shows importance of destroyed bridges between Crimea and Kherson, MOD says

The Ministry of Defence says the speed with which Russia has constructed a temporary replacement for road bridges struck by Ukraine shows how vital they are for Moscow's success.

Ukrainian troops struck the Chonhar road bridges between the Crimean Peninsula and Russian-occupied Kherson Oblast.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) said they service one of two main road supply routes between the two regions.

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It is the most direct route from Russia's Crimean logistics hub at Dzhankoi and the Zaporizhzhia sector, where the Russians are defending against a "major Ukrainian offensive", the MOD added.

According to its latest intelligence update, the route's temporary closure caused essential Russian logistics convoys to take 50% longer to reach the front.

It is believed a pontoon bridge replacement was constructed and crossings are solely for military traffic. The crossing was built within 24 hours.

Earlier this week, the Defence Secretary said Storm Shadow missiles sent by the UK to Ukraine are having a "significant impact" on the battlefield. 

Ben Wallace hailed the accuracy of the precision-guided bunker-busting missile as "almost without fault".

The UK has provided £4.5bn worth of military aid to Ukraine, including more than 10,000 anti-tank missiles, air defence systems, and Challenger 2 tanks.