On Tuesday, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) executed a covert underwater attack on the Crimean Bridge, marking the third strike on the structure since Russia’s 2022 invasion.
The operation, detonated at 4:44 a.m., used 1,100 kilograms of TNT-equivalent explosives to severely damage the bridge’s underwater support pillars.
“Today, at 4:44 a.m., without any civilian casualties, the first explosive device was detonated,” the SBU stated, as cited by The New York Times.
“The underwater support pillars were severely damaged at the seabed level — aided by the equivalent of 1,100 kg of TNT. As a result, the bridge is effectively in an emergency condition.”
Contrary to what the SBU states and what is happening on the ground, the traffic has been restored, minor damage was reported and according to several sources on the ground, there is a risk of further attacks but none that are impending as of now
The 12-mile Kerch Strait Bridge, linking Russia to occupied Crimea, is a vital military supply route for Moscow’s forces in southern Ukraine and a symbol of President Vladimir Putin’s annexation ambitions since 2014.
Ukrainian officials, including SBU head Lieutenant General Vasyl Maliuk, emphasized its legitimacy as a target.
“There is no place on Ukrainian territory for Russia’s illegal infrastructure,” Maliuk said.
This strike follows previous attacks in October 2022, when a truck bomb damaged the bridge, and July 2023, when maritime drones targeted its supports.
Russia repaired the damage and enhanced defenses after each incident.
“God loves a trinity, and the SBU always finishes what it starts and never repeats itself,” Maliuk said.
“We hit the Crimean Bridge twice before, in 2022 and 2023. Today, we continued that tradition—this time, from below the surface.”
How Successful was this strike?
In terms of damages? Not worth it, but in terms of showcasing how the reach of Ukraine has not lessened in terms of range, it is. This strike has bypassed several layers of surveillance and protection.