Underwater Strike on Kerch Bridge
Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) has claimed responsibility for a daring underwater attack on the Kerch Bridge, a critical link between Russia and the occupied Crimean Peninsula. The operation, which took place on June 3, marks the third reported strike on the bridge since the onset of the full-scale war in 2022. According to the SBU, the attack utilized over 1,100 kilograms of TNT equivalent in explosives, targeting the underwater supports of the bridge, severely damaging its structural integrity.
The SBU released a video of the explosion on its Telegram channel, showcasing the blast occurring beneath the waterline at 4:44 am. The agency detailed that the operation spanned several months, with agents meticulously mining the bridge's supports to ensure precision. Their statement emphasized the absence of civilian casualties during the strike, highlighting the strategic focus of the mission.
Strategic Importance and Repeated Attacks
The Kerch Bridge, opened by Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2018, serves as a vital supply line for Moscow's forces in Crimea, which Russia illegally annexed from Ukraine in 2014. This latest attack underscores Ukraine's ongoing efforts to disrupt Russian logistics and military operations in the region. Reports indicate that traffic across the bridge was temporarily halted but resumed later in the day, suggesting that while damage was significant, the structure remains partially functional.
This strike follows two previous attacks on the bridge, demonstrating Ukraine's persistent targeting of key infrastructure. Just two days prior to this underwater operation, the SBU conducted a notable drone assault on four Russian airbases, one located over 2,600 miles from the frontline, showcasing the breadth and ambition of Ukraine's military strategy.
Broader Context of Conflict
The attack on the Kerch Bridge is part of a broader escalation in Ukraine's military operations against Russian-held territories and infrastructure. The SBU's public disclosure of such operations, including detailed videos and statements on social media platforms, aims to bolster morale and demonstrate capability amid the ongoing conflict. While the Kremlin has acknowledged the complexity of peace negotiations, no direct response to this specific incident has been widely reported as of the latest updates.
As the war continues, such targeted strikes highlight the strategic use of unconventional tactics by Ukraine to challenge Russian control over annexed regions like Crimea. The repeated focus on the Kerch Bridge illustrates its symbolic and practical significance in the conflict, with potential implications for future military and diplomatic developments.