Ukrainian firms helped Russia Kerch Strait bridge: Poroshenko's envoy on Crimea

Permanent Representative of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea Borys Babin a number of Ukrainian companies helped the Russian occupation authorities build the Kerch Strait bridge from mainland Russia to the occupied Crimean peninsula.

"We have received numerous reports stating that Ukrainian companies provided workforce and equipment for the bridge construction," the official said.

According to the Babin, many Western companies also provided certain technologies, equipment, engines, pile driving equipment, measuring instruments, etc.

Read alsoUkraine's direct losses from Kerch bridge construction estimated at US$19 mln per year"Generally speaking, perhaps only paint for this bridge could be Russian-made, although I'm not sure about that either. We should hold accountable all those who took an active part in this construction," Babin said.

"Hindering Russian attempts to destroy our commercial shipping and fishing in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov is much more important. In this regard, we must make a set of moves not only in legal sphere but also those related to security, military, and other non-public spheres," he added.

Media earlier reported that seven companies from the Netherlands were suspected of being involved in the construction of a bridge across the Kerch Strait linking Russia with the illegally-annexed Crimea.