"Russian and Chinese Executives Collaborate on Underwater Tunnel Project Linking Crimea and Russia"

Russian and Chinese executives have reportedly held secret discussions on plans to build an underwater tunnel connecting Russia to Crimea, in an effort to establish a transportation route protected from attacks by Ukraine. The talks were triggered by Russian concerns over the security of the existing bridge across the Kerch Strait, which has been bombed twice by Ukraine. While the feasibility of the tunnel project is questioned, intercepted emails indicate that a Chinese construction company has expressed willingness to participate. The project poses political and financial risks for China, as it has not officially recognized Russia's annexation of Crimea and could face economic sanctions.