Ukraine claimed that it had hit the bridge connecting Russian and the occupied Crimean Peninsula with explosives planted underwater. Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) also released a video showing the underwater blast. The agency shared details of the months-long operation in a Telegram post. It stated that the first charge, equivalent to 1,100 kilograms of TNT, was detonated at 4:44 am without causing any civilian casualties.
The agents planted explosives on the piers of the Crimean Bridge, also known as the Kerch Bridge, which serves both road and rail traffic and detonated the first charge. The agency said it had used 1,100 kilograms of explosives which “severely damaged” the underwater pillars supporting the bridge and the whole operation took several months.
This is the third time that Ukraine’s security service attacked the Kerch Bridge, since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. The bridge had previously been damaged in October 2022 and July 2023. A truck exploded on the bridge in October 2022, leading to its closure. And in July 2023, a part of the bridge was blown up using an experimental naval drone by the SBU.
Importance Of Kerch Bridge
This is an important infrastructure, as it is the only direct connection between Russia and annexed Crimean peninsula. It was illegally built by Russia following its occupation in 2014. It serves as vital link to transport military supplies to Russian forces in southern Ukraine. Apart from logistical significance, the Kerch Bridge holds symbolic significance for Russia as it represents Moscow’s claim over Crimea. The Kerch Bridge is heavily protected and in such situation, Ukraine’s attack using explosives is a major embarrassment for Russia.
SBU chief Vasyl Maliuk who supervised the explosion, described the operation as a success, reiterating that the bridge is a legitimate military target. “Crimea is Ukraine, and any acts of occupation will be dealt with harshly,” he stated as quoted by Euronews. “Third time’s a charm. The SBU always completes its plans and never repeats itself,” said Maliuk.
Meanwhile, Russia’s Defence Ministry also confirmed that three Ukrainian drones were shot down over Crimea during the night.
