**Ukraine Strikes Crimean Bridge Again Amid Ongoing Conflict**

**Ukraine has reportedly struck the Kerch Strait Bridge for a third time, escalating tensions in the ongoing war with Russia while executing operations deep within Russian territory.**

 

In an assertive move amid the ongoing conflict, Ukraine has announced its third successful strike on the Kerch Strait Bridge, a crucial link between Crimea and the Russian mainland. The operation was executed early Tuesday morning, following months of strategic planning and the placement of explosives on the underwater support structures of the bridge.

The Security Service of Ukraine (S.B.U) confirmed the detonation occurred at 4:44 a.m., stating that no civilian casualties were reported. The agency released footage that purportedly captured the explosion, declaring it caused significant damage to the bridge’s underwater support pillars using the equivalent of 1,100 kg of TNT. However, the extent of the damage remains to be independently verified.

This attack closely follows one of Ukraine's boldest military operations yet, targeting a strategic bomber fleet deep within Russian territory, underscoring Ukraine's determination to disrupt Russian military supply lines. According to the Russian state news agency RIA Novosti, the bridge was temporarily closed but resumed operations by mid-afternoon.

The 12-mile Kerch Strait Bridge plays a vital role in supplying Russian troops in southern Ukraine, and its destruction is seen as critically symbolic, especially since Russian President Vladimir V. Putin inaugurated the bridge in 2018. Previous attacks on this strategic infrastructure have included a truck bomb detonation in October 2022 and more recent maritime drone strikes targeting its support structure.

The ongoing conflict has led to heightened security measures around the bridge, with Russian forces making continuous repairs following each attack. As tensions escalate, both sides appear poised for further military actions in the region, leaving the fate of the bridge—and the war—uncertain.

Reporting for this article includes contributions from Ivan Nechepurenko, with primary insights from Marc Santora, who has covered the war comprehensively.