In a daring pre-dawn operation on Tuesday, Ukraine dealt another blow to one of Russia’s most critical infrastructure links — the Crimean Bridge. Using explosives planted underwater, Ukraine’s security service (SBU) says it struck the bridge that connects Russia to the occupied Crimean Peninsula, marking the third high-profile attack on the structure since the war escalated in 2022.

A Months-Long Operation

The SBU revealed on Telegram that the attack was the result of a complex, months-long operation. Under the direction of SBU chief Vasyl Malyuk, Ukrainian agents covertly mined the underwater piers of the road-and-rail bridge — also known as the Kerch Bridge — and detonated 1,100 kilograms of explosives at exactly 4:44 a.m. local time.

According to Malyuk, the strike caused an estimated $7 billion in damage, and crucially, it hit 34% of Russia’s strategic cruise missile carriers — platforms that have been used to launch devastating attacks on Ukrainian cities.

“God loves the Trinity,” Malyuk said, referencing the SBU’s three separate attacks on the bridge. “We previously struck the Crimean Bridge twice, in 2022 and 2023. So today we continued this tradition, this time underwater.”

Russia Silent, But Disruptions Mount

Moscow has not officially responded to Ukraine’s claims. However, the bridge operator confirmed via Telegram that all traffic across the bridge was temporarily suspended. In a further sign of disruption, Russian authorities also halted maritime traffic off the coast of Sevastopol, Crimea’s largest city, according to Russian state media RIA Novosti.

While the full extent of the damage remains unclear, the strike is part of Ukraine’s ongoing campaign to disrupt Russia’s war logistics and expose vulnerabilities far behind the front lines.

A Target With Tactical and Symbolic Value

Ukraine has long viewed the Crimean Bridge as a legitimate military target. Beyond its practical role as a vital supply artery for Russian forces, the bridge is also a powerful symbol for Russian President Vladimir Putin. Built following Russia’s controversial annexation of Crimea in 2014, the $3.7 billion structure was personally inaugurated by Putin in 2018 as a show of strength and unity between Russia and Crimea.

This latest attack underscores Ukraine’s determination to challenge that narrative.

A Pattern of Precision Strikes

This is the third time Ukraine has hit the bridge since the full-scale invasion began:

• October 2022: A truck bomb caused massive explosions and fire on the bridge.
• July 2023: The SBU said it struck the structure with a sea drone.
• June 2025: Underwater explosives target the bridge’s pillars in the most recent and technically sophisticated operation yet.

In each instance, Russia has scrambled to repair the damage — but Ukraine’s message remains clear: the bridge, and what it represents, is not safe.

Bottom Line: Tuesday’s underwater strike sends a strong signal. Ukraine is escalating its strategic capabilities and demonstrating it can reach deep into Russia’s supply lines. It’s not just about damaging infrastructure — it’s about eroding Moscow’s sense of control and security, one bold strike at a time.

Source: CNN – Ukraine strikes bridge connecting Russia to Crimea with underwater explosives

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