According to him, at the time of the trip he experienced "a feeling of delight and satisfaction for the work done with a good result."
“You saw what kind of people there, their eyes burn, they themselves are simply happy for the result they achieved. Thank you very much, ”Putin thanked the construction participants.
He noted that the bridge was built according to “the most modern technologies” and with proper maintenance it can stand for centuries.
“Judging by what the experts say, it will be for many, many decades, and maybe for centuries. It is only necessary to service, repair everything on time and it (the bridge. - RT ) can stand for centuries, of course. There were no such technologies before, but we have appeared, ”RIA Novosti quotes the president.
Putin also recalled the previous three attempts in history to build a bridge across the Kerch Strait, but “everything was unsuccessful, everything was demolished,” which raised concerns that Russia would not be able to create a transport passage.
Earlier, the US Embassy in Ukraine condemned the launch of train traffic on the Crimean bridge, saying that such actions by the Russian side "demonstrate a blatant disrespect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine."
On December 23, Putin took part in the opening ceremony of the Crimean bridge’s railway, driving through the construction in the driver’s cab.
Later, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry protested Russia over the launch of the railway part of the bridge.
In the EU, the foreign ministries of Poland and Romania criticized the launch of trains on the Crimean bridge.
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, at which most residents spoke out for reunification with Russia.