Kerch Bridge Is a Legitimate Wartime Target That Will Continue to Be Hit by Ukraine, Says U.S. Navy Admiral (Ret.) Mark Montgomery

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Ukraine – country with barely any navy – managed to impose a heavy cost on the Russian Black Sea Fleet. The key to that success is the innovation, creativity, and leadership of the Ukrainian military, says Retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery to Voice of America.

During his more than thirty-year military career, Montgomery served as Director of Operations at U.S. Pacific Command, commanded Battle Force 7th Fleet. Montgomery also served as Director for Transnational Threats at the National Security Council (1998-2000). As a flag officer, the Admiral served as Deputy Director of Plans, Policy, and Strategy at United States European Command in Stuttgart, Germany (2010-2012).

In the interview with VOA, he said that the Kerch Bridge remains a strategic and difficult target for Ukraine, but to achieve significant strategic gains, it is also important to cut off the Russian ferry crossing to the occupied peninsula. He also shared his belief that despite all the efforts of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, delays in defense assistance from allies are still having consequences on the frontline.

Montgomery explained why it is important for the U.S. and the West to continue supporting Ukraine in view of the threats from China and outlined his vision of what U.S. support for Ukraine could look like if Kamala Harris or Donald Trump becomes the next U.S. president.

Date, location of the interview: VOA, August 5, 2024.