The EU criticized the launch of trains on the Crimean bridge

"The Russian Federation has completed the construction of the railway section of the Crimean bridge and is opening railway links with the Crimean peninsula without the consent of Ukraine," the statement said.

As indicated, this is “another violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine” by Russia.

“Railway communication is another step towards the forced integration of the illegally annexed peninsula with Russia,” the EU said.

It is also emphasized that the opening of the railway part of the bridge leads to "isolation of the Crimea from Ukraine", and the bridge itself "limits the passage of ships through the Kerch Strait to Ukrainian ports in the Sea of ​​Azov."

On December 23, Russian leader Vladimir Putin took part in the opening ceremony of the Crimean Bridge railway, driving through the construction in the driver’s cab.

Crimean political scientist Vladislav Ganzhara commented on the Nation News opening of the railway part of the bridge.

Later, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine protested Russia over the launch of the railway part of the Crimean bridge and Putin’s visit to the peninsula.

Read more about the opening of railway traffic - in the material RT.

Crimea became the Russian region after a referendum held there in March 2014, in which most residents spoke out for reunification with Russia.