Ukraine has carried out a fresh attack on the Crimean Bridge using underwater explosives. The Ukrainian Security Service, also known as the SBU, confirmed that the operation was done early on Tuesday morning. It targeted the underwater pillars of the bridge, which connects Russia to Crimea. The bridge, also called the Kerch Bridge, is important to both Russia and Ukraine for military and political reasons.
The attack happened at 4:44 a.m. Ukrainian forces placed 1,100 kilograms of explosives on the bridge’s support columns under the water. These explosives were detonated remotely. While the full level of damage has not been shared, Russian authorities had to stop traffic on the bridge twice during the day. This shows that the damage could be serious.
This is the third time Ukraine has attacked the Kerch Bridge since Russia’s full invasion began in February 2022. The bridge has become a key symbol in the war. It not only allows Russia to send military supplies and soldiers into southern Ukraine, but it also represents Russia’s claim over the Crimean Peninsula.
The bridge was opened in 2018 by Russian President Vladimir Putin. It was built after Russia took control of Crimea in 2014. Ukraine and most of the world still consider Crimea to be part of Ukraine. That is why Ukraine sees the bridge as a legal target in its defense against Russian occupation.
Ukraine’s first strike on the bridge was in October 2022. Back then, a tanker truck exploded and caused a large fire. A section of the bridge collapsed. The second attack came in July 2023. That time, Ukraine used a sea drone to hit another part of the structure. Both attacks were successful in damaging the bridge and slowing down Russian supply lines.
In the latest operation, the Ukrainian Security Service said that it carefully planned the underwater mission over many months. It required deep knowledge of the bridge’s design and security systems. Experts believe the explosives may have been placed by divers or underwater drones. These types of missions are complex and need both skill and patience. The goal was to weaken the bridge further and show that Ukraine can hit important Russian targets even far from the front lines.
While this attack took place, Russian and Ukrainian officials were also meeting in Istanbul, Turkey. The two sides were holding talks to negotiate a new prisoner exchange. These negotiations were difficult, but they ended with an agreement to release more prisoners. The meeting was seen as a small step toward peace, but the bridge attack shows how active the conflict still is.
Even though talks are taking place, military actions continue. Ukraine wants to show that it will not stop until it takes back its land. Hitting the bridge is one way to do that. It sends a strong message to both Russia and the international community. Ukraine is not giving up on Crimea, and it will use every tool available to fight back.
The Kerch Bridge is 19 kilometers long. It includes both a road and railway line. It is the main route for Russian supplies into Crimea and nearby occupied areas like Melitopol and Mariupol. By damaging the bridge, Ukraine can slow down Russian military operations in those regions. It can also make it harder for Russia to support its troops on the front lines.
Russia has not shared full details about the impact of the strike. However, closing the bridge to traffic twice in one day is unusual. It shows that Russian authorities are taking the damage seriously. Russian officials have called past attacks on the bridge acts of terrorism. Ukraine continues to say that the bridge is a military target because it is used to support an ongoing invasion.
Experts believe more attacks like this may happen. Ukraine is using a strategy known as deep strikes. This means hitting important targets far behind enemy lines. It is a way to weaken Russian forces without needing large ground attacks. It also puts pressure on Russia to defend more areas, spreading its troops thinner.
At the same time, Ukraine is asking for more support from its international allies. It needs advanced tools and weapons to carry out high-level operations. The country hopes that attacks like this will help convince Western nations to continue sending aid.
