Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) claims to have attacked the strategic Crimean Bridge using underwater explosives following an operation that spanned "several months."
According to the SBU, its agents allegedly planted 1,100 kilograms of explosives on the bridge's supports, which "severely damaged" the lower level of the structure.
The "first explosive device" was reportedly detonated on Tuesday morning, with the SBU emphasizing that "no civilian casualties" occurred. The information has not been independently verified.
Russian media reported that the bridge was temporarily closed to traffic but had reopened by 10:00 a.m. local time. However, local authorities later announced that the bridge was closed again. Unconfirmed reports on social media suggested additional explosions occurred near the structure.
The official Telegram channel responsible for operational updates on the bridge issued a message urging: “We ask those on the bridge and in the inspection area to remain calm and follow the instructions of transport security personnel.”
Russia has not yet issued an official statement about the incident, though some Russian military bloggers speculated that a submarine drone — rather than explosives — may have struck a protective barrier.
The SBU stated that its chief, Lieutenant General Vasyl Malyuk, personally oversaw and coordinated the operation.
In a Telegram post, Malyuk was quoted as saying that Ukraine had previously targeted the Crimean Bridge in 2022 and 2023 and was now “continuing this tradition underwater.”
“No illegal Russian infrastructure has any place on the territory of our state,” Malyuk stated. “Therefore, the Crimean Bridge is an entirely legitimate target — especially considering that the enemy used it as a logistical artery to supply its troops.”
A Russian Construction
Also known as the Kerch Bridge, the structure was built by Russia following its 2014 invasion and annexation of the Crimean Peninsula. It was inaugurated with great fanfare in 2018 by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
In Ukraine, the bridge is viewed as a hated symbol of Russian occupation. Moscow guards it heavily, making any successful strike — whether by submarine drones or explosives — a significant achievement.
This latest attack comes just 48 hours after Ukraine reportedly struck multiple targets inside Russia as part of “Operation Spider Web.”
Kyiv claimed to have smuggled over 100 drones into Russia, allegedly transported close to air bases by unwitting truck drivers.
Once deployed, the drones targeted and struck valuable Russian strategic bombers at various locations across the country.
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