Russian President Vladimir Putin has opened a new bridge linking southern Russia to Crimea. Putin drove a large truck Tuesday across the bridge, which Russia is calling the Crimean Bridge. Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. The opening of the bridge drew immediate criticism from Ukraine, which has said the project violates international law. President Petro Poroshenko said the opening was an attempt by Russia "to legitimize the temporary occupation” of Crimea.

Russian President Vladimir Putin gestures while speaking to a group of workers after driving a truck to officially open the much-anticipated bridge linking Russia and the Crimean peninsula the opening ceremony near in Kerch, Crimea, Tuesday, May 15, 2018.

Russian state television showed Putin - dressed in casual clothes - leading a group of trucks across the bridge. After reaching the Crimean side, he praised builders for their hard work. The efforts, he said, had made it possible for “this miracle” to be completed.

The 19-kilometer bridge cost $3.6 billion to build. It links southern Russia to the Crimean city of Kerch. A railroad bridge is also being built and is due to be completed by the end of 2019.

Russia’s annexation of Crimea was condemned by the international community. The European Union and United States placed economic sanctions on Russia for the action.

Aliqismet BADALOV,

“Khalq qazeti”