Russia-Crimea underwater telecom cable ready, as Ukraine crisis intensifies.

The underwater telecommunication cables between the Crimean peninsula and Russia bypassing Ukraine are almost ready for use. The multi-million dollar project will provide for safer communication as tension between Russia and Ukraine intensifies.

State-owned Rostelecom South has nearly completed the 40 kilometers of fiber-optic cable from the Krasnadar region and the 6 kilometers through the Kerch Straight, Kommersant reports citing a source close to the company.

The underwater section that runs along the muddy seabed of the Kerch Straight is expected to cost between $11-25 million.