On May 24th, 2023, an unexpected event unfolded on the Crimean bridge as traffic came to a halt and a thick column of smoke billowed in the vicinity. Eyewitnesses quickly captured the scene on film, sparking speculation and concern among the onlookers. However, the head of Crimea, Sergei Aksyonov, swiftly addressed the situation, assuring the public that the bridge closure was merely a temporary measure due to ongoing exercises. Aksyonov urged everyone to rely on trustworthy sources of information and dismiss any unfounded rumors. Soon after, traffic resumed on the bridge, returning to its normal flow.

As details emerged, it was revealed that the peculiar smoke seen by queued drivers was, in fact, a deliberate smoke screen created as part of the exercises taking place. The purpose of the smoke screen remains undisclosed, likely due to the sensitivity of the ongoing drills.