Ukraine Targets Crimea Bridge in Underwater Attack: Security Service Claims Success

In a bold move, Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) reported a successful strike on the Crimea bridge using underwater explosives after months of planning. Claiming to have mined the support structures with approximately 1,100 kg of explosives, the SBU stated that the first device was detonated early Tuesday morning, causing substantial damage to the bridge without any reported civilian casualties. Initial Russian reports indicated a temporary closure of the bridge to traffic, but it reopened by mid-morning, only to be closed again later in the afternoon due to further unverified reports of explosions in the area.

Although Russian media suggested that an underwater drone might have caused the damage, Ukraine's SBU maintained that the attack had been meticulously executed under the supervision of Lieutenant General Vasyl Malyuk. Malyuk emphasized the Crimean Bridge's role as a logistical hub for Russian military operations, thus legitimizing Ukraine's targeting of the structure. The bridge, also known as the Kerch Bridge, has become a potent symbol of Russian annexation since its construction in 2014, and its strategic significance makes any operational success against it noteworthy.

This recent attack follows Ukraine's 'Spider Web' operation, which saw over 100 drones delivered across the Russian border and employed against critical military targets. As the conflict in Ukraine continues to evolve, the strike on the Crimea bridge underscores the high stakes involved in Ukraine's efforts to undermine Russian military capabilities.