In a bold move, Ukrainian spies executed an underwater assault on the crucial pillars of the Kerch Bridge, a vital link connecting Russia’s mainland to the Crimean Peninsula. This territory has been under illegal Russian occupation since 2014. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), Ukraine’s primary counterintelligence agency, released a statement on Tuesday revealing that the underwater supports of the bridge's piers sustained significant damage due to the deployment of 1,100 kg of explosives, equivalent to TNT. Consequently, the bridge has been declared to be in an emergency state.
Following the attack, Russian authorities reported that the Kerch Bridge was closed for transport as of 3 p.m., although no further details were provided. This operation marked Ukraine’s third attempt to strike the bridge, which Russian President Vladimir Putin personally inaugurated in 2018. The first attack on the bridge occurred in October 2022 when a truck laden with explosives detonated, causing substantial damage. In July 2023, Ukraine employed marine drones to successfully destroy two sections of the bridge, but Russia quickly undertook repairs and fortified the structure with protective barges to counter future assaults.
SBU General Vasyl Malyuk emphasized the significance of the attack, stating, “So today we continued this tradition underwater. There is no place for any illegal Russian facilities on the territory of our state. Therefore, the Crimean Bridge is a legitimate target, especially considering that the enemy used it as a logistical artery to supply its troops. Crimea is Ukraine, and any manifestations of occupation will receive our tough response.” This statement underlines Ukraine’s commitment to reclaiming its territory and responding decisively to illegal activities.
On the same day as the Kerch Bridge attack, locals reported hearing two additional blasts in the vicinity, indicating ongoing military activity. This incident coincided with a significant summit in Istanbul between Moscow and Kyiv, which took place a day after Ukraine’s drone strikes resulted in the destruction of numerous Russian aircraft on home soil. Ukraine announced that it successfully targeted dozens of Russian bombers in a daring drone operation, showcasing its evolving military capabilities.
The conflict continues to draw international attention, particularly regarding the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine's Kherson region. A recent report by the United Nations concluded that Russian forces have committed war crimes against civilians in this area, with drone attacks resulting in the deaths of over 150 innocent individuals. These findings are particularly relevant as Putin seeks to leverage Kherson in negotiations aimed at resolving the ongoing war.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has also weighed in on the situation, asserting that Putin's actions irritate former U.S. President Donald Trump more than they do him. Zelenskyy remarked, "I may say unpleasant things, but I tell the truth … And he may sometimes say very nice things, but those things are lies.” This statement reflects Ukraine’s stance on the ongoing conflict and its commitment to truth in the face of Russian propaganda.
