News
Ukraine Strikes Crimean Bridge with Underwater Explosives
KYIV, Ukraine — Ukraine’s security service, known as the SBU, announced on Tuesday that it has successfully executed an underwater attack on the Kerch Bridge, which connects Russia to the occupied Crimean Peninsula. The operation involved explosives planted underneath the bridge.
The SBU reported that the explosives were detonated at 4:44 a.m. local time, marking the third assault on the strategically important bridge since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The agency stated it used about 1,100 kilograms of explosives, causing significant damage to the bridge’s underwater supports.
“The Security Service of Ukraine carried out a new unique special operation. This demonstrates our commitment to disrupting Russian supply lines,” the SBU stated on Telegram, emphasizing the extensive planning that lasted several months.
Prior to this operation, the SBU conducted a high-profile air raid targeting Russia’s fleet of nuclear-capable strategic bombers. The recent bridge attack is part of Ukraine’s broader efforts to challenge Russian military infrastructure.
Russian officials did not immediately respond to the SBU’s claims. However, the operator of the bridge announced that traffic had been temporarily suspended before resuming normal operations by 9 a.m. local time.
The Kerch Bridge, completed in 2018 following Russia’s annexation of Crimea, serves as a crucial supply route for Russian forces in Ukraine and symbolizes the Kremlin’s control over the peninsula. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reaffirmed that Crimea is integral to Ukraine and any signs of occupation will be met with stern resistance.
Earlier incidents involving the bridge included a truck explosion in October 2022 that caused severe damage, and previous assaults in July 2023.
“God loves the Trinity, and the SBU always sees things through to the end,” said SBU head Vasyl Malyuk, referencing the agency’s ongoing strategy against Russian targets in occupied areas.
