Ukraine‘s SBU security service claims to have damaged the Kerch Bridge, a crucial supply line linking Russia to the annexed Crimean peninsula. According to the SBU, approximately 1,100kg of explosives were detonated beneath the bridge, targeting underwater pillars and rendering it “effectively in an emergency condition.” The SBU shared video footage of the explosion, stating, “Previously, we hit the Crimean Bridge twice, in 2022 and 2023. So today we continued this tradition underwater.”
However, Russian military bloggers dispute the claim, stating the attack was unsuccessful and speculating that a Ukrainian sea drone was used. Official Russian outlets reported a temporary closure of the bridge for three hours, but stated it has reopened and is functioning normally. The 19km Crimea Bridge is a vital connection between Russia’s transport network and the Crimean peninsula, which Moscow annexed in 2014.
The attack coincides with escalated tensions, as Russian forces targeted the Ukrainian city of Sumy, killing at least three people and injuring many. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack, saying, “That’s all one needs to know about the Russian wish to end this war.” Meanwhile, peace talks in Istanbul yielded an agreement on a prisoner swap, but a ceasefire remains elusive, with Russia demanding Ukraine cede territory and limit its army’s size – terms Ukraine has repeatedly rejected as tantamount to surrender.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant humanitarian and economic costs for both countries, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence. The international community remains watchful, urging restraint and diplomatic solutions to the crisis. As the situation continues to unfold, the prospects for a peaceful resolution remain uncertain, with both sides dug in and unwilling to compromise on key issues.
Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) claimed to have damaged the Crimean Bridge, a vital supply route for Russian forces, using over 1,100 kilograms of underwater explosives. This marks the third attack on the bridge since 2022, with previous strikes occurring in October 2022 and July 2023.
The SBU shared footage showing an explosion next to one of the bridge’s support pillars, and Russian authorities confirmed a temporary closure of about four hours. The bridge’s damage could further strain Russia’s military logistics and supply chain in occupied Ukrainian territories.
The attack coincides with stalled peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, with Russia rejecting Ukraine’s call for an unconditional ceasefire. Ukrainian officials are seeking tougher sanctions against Russia and discussing defense support in the United States. The Crimean Bridge’s strategic importance makes it a key target for Ukraine, aiming to disrupt Russian forces’ supply lines and gain a military advantage.