£3BN PUTIN BRIDGE IS BLOWN UP AGAIN

Raging Russians axe grain deal after new blasts hit link to occupied Crimea

- CHRIS HUGHES

VLADIMIR Putin is facing a fresh blow after his £3billion bridge link to Crimea was blown up for the second time.

A couple died in the blast and their daughter is recovering in hospital as Moscow blamed Ukraine special forces for the attack, which further weakens the Russian president's authority.

Hours later Russia cancelled a deal allowing Ukraine to export grain - sparking fears of global food shortages.

The pre-dawn Kerch Bridge attack blocked a vital supplies link to Russia's frontline troops.