Ukraine Hits Crimea Bridge Using Underwater Explosives Again

3 Jun at 10:20 am

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Ukraine Hits Crimea Bridge Using Underwater Explosives Again/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Ukraine confirmed a third successful strike on the Crimean Bridge. Underwater explosives damaged support pillars early Tuesday morning. The attack disrupts Russia’s supply lines and symbolic infrastructure.

An image released by the SBU showed damage to the Crimean Bridge. Security Service of Ukraine

Ukraine Targets Crimean Bridge Again: Quick Looks

Third Attack Since 2022: Ukraine confirmed its third strike on the Crimean Bridge, using underwater explosives on Tuesday.
1,100 kg of Explosives Used: The SBU planted charges over several months, detonating them at 4:44 a.m.
Symbolic and Strategic Blow: The bridge links Russia with annexed Crimea, serving both military and political functions.
Traffic Suspended: Russian authorities closed the bridge and maritime routes near Sevastopol following the blast.
SBU Behind the Operation: Ukraine’s Security Service took responsibility, calling the strike a “tradition.”
Damage Level Undisclosed: Russia hasn’t confirmed damage publicly, but the SBU claims “severe” destruction to the underwater pillars.
Part of Larger Campaign: The strike follows a weekend drone raid that crippled Russian bomber aircraft fleets.
Putin’s Prestige Targeted: The bridge, opened by Putin in 2018, cost $3.7 billion and symbolizes Russian control over Crimea.

Ukraine Hits Crimea Bridge Using Underwater Explosives Again

Deep Look

Ukraine Strikes Crimean Bridge with Underwater Bombs in Coordinated Assault

Ukraine has once again struck a strategic and symbolic blow against Russia, announcing on Tuesday that it used underwater explosives to severely damage the Crimean Bridge, a key logistical and political lifeline between Russia and the occupied peninsula of Crimea.

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said its operatives had carefully planted 1,100 kilograms of explosives at the bridge’s underwater support pillars. The detonation took place at 4:44 a.m., following months of covert preparation.

This marks the third Ukrainian attack on the bridge since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, reaffirming Ukraine’s strategy to undermine both the Kremlin’s war capabilities and its prestige.

“We previously struck the Crimean Bridge twice. Today we continued this tradition — underwater,” said SBU head Vasyl Malyuk, who oversaw the mission.

Bridge of Strategic and Symbolic Value

The Crimean Bridge, also known as the Kerch Bridge, was constructed following Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014. The massive infrastructure project cost around $3.7 billion and spans 19 kilometers (about 12 miles), making it the only direct land route from mainland Russia to Crimea.

Its importance is twofold:

“The bridge is a completely legitimate target,” said Malyuk, noting its role in fueling Moscow’s war machine.

Disruption and Retaliation

While the full extent of the damage remains unconfirmed, Russian authorities responded by suspending vehicle traffic on the bridge and halting maritime movement in nearby waters off Sevastopol, Crimea’s largest port city.

Russia has not publicly acknowledged the strike’s impact, though the bridge operator confirmed the shutdown via Telegram.

The attack follows a coordinated campaign by the SBU and Ukrainian forces to undermine Russia’s strategic depth. Just days prior, Ukrainian drones struck multiple Russian airbases, damaging or destroying over 40 warplanes, including nuclear-capable bombers.

Ukrainian officials estimated $7 billion in damages from the airbase raids, which reportedly hit 34% of Russia’s strategic cruise missile fleet.

A Growing Pattern of Disruption

This is not Ukraine’s first assault on the Crimean Bridge:

In October 2022, a fuel truck explosion set part of the bridge ablaze.
In July 2023, the SBU used an experimental sea drone to blow up a section of the structure.

Each time, Russia moved rapidly to repair the damage, underlining the bridge’s critical role in maintaining the occupied territory. Tuesday’s underwater strike, however, represents a new method and escalation, signaling that Ukrainian forces continue to innovate and adapt.

U.S. Reactions and Global Implications

The attack comes amid increasing geopolitical strain. While the U.S. has supported Ukraine’s defensive operations, Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently reaffirmed Washington’s reluctance to endorse further territorial demands — a position that has created friction with Kyiv.

President Donald Trump, who recently criticized President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for refusing to recognize Russian control of Crimea, has downplayed the strategic necessity of such strikes. However, Ukraine maintains that all occupied territory, including Crimea, remains sovereign Ukrainian land.

Moscow’s Next Moves

Thus far, the Kremlin’s response has been muted, focusing instead on reinforcing its public image of control. Yet Tuesday’s strike — following Sunday’s bomber attacks — illustrates that Ukraine can strike deep inside Russia, despite battlefield stalemates along the frontlines.

Putin’s rhetoric has centered on the idea of a buffer zone and “neutralizing” Ukrainian capabilities. But as Ukraine continues to strike symbolic targets like the Kerch Bridge, Moscow’s strategy may face greater pressure from both international scrutiny and internal military shortfalls.