Kerch Bridge Hit Again as Kyiv Expands Deep Operations
In a bold escalation of its campaign against Russian infrastructure, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) has claimed responsibility for an attack on the Kerch Bridge, saying the operation has been “months in the making” — and that it’s only just getting started.
Over a ton of TNT used in underwater sabotage. Second explosion reported hours later.
An already rough week for Russia isnt getting any better, as a mere 48 hours after Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) crippled over 40 Russian strategic bombers in one of the most extensive long-range drone operations of the war, it struck again—this time below the surface of the Black Sea.
At 4:44 a.m. this morning, the Crimean Bridge—Russia’s strategic and symbolic land link to occupied Crimea—was rocked by an underwater explosion targeting its support columns.
According to a statement from SBU Chief Vasyl Malyuk,
“The attack on the Crimean Bridge was the result of a special operation by the Security Service of Ukraine, developed over several months.”
Ukrainian officials said 1,100 kilograms of explosives were used in the strike. Malyuk emphasized that there were no civilian casualties, and that the operation strictly targeted military infrastructure in occupied territory.
Though exact methods were not disclosed, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine noted in a previous statement that underwater drone capabilities, such as the Marichka autonomous system, are now integrated into Ukrainian special operations.
The Marichka, which has been publicly demonstrated since 2023, is believed to be capable of long-range underwater strikes—ideal for missions against maritime or bridge infrastructure.
A Strategic and Symbolic Target
The Kerch Bridge, opened in 2018 and personally inaugurated by Russian President Vladimir Putin, has long been a symbol of Moscow’s claim over Crimea and a vital artery for moving troops, weapons, and supplies. At 19 kilometers long, it’s the only direct land connection between Russia and Crimea.
This was the third successful attack on the Kerch Bridge since the full-scale invasion began.
A truck bomb damaged the roadway in October 2022, and a sea drone strike hit the structure again in July 2023—both publicly acknowledged by Ukraine’s defense and security agencies. Each incident has resulted in partial closures and costly repairs.
Russian occupation authorities temporarily suspended bridge traffic and later claimed to have detained a Ukrainian agent allegedly involved in coordinating the strike (Russian-installed Crimean “head” Sergey Aksyonov, via TASS). Ukraine’s agencies have not commented on this claim.
“This is our answer to Russia’s occupation,” said Malyuk. “Crimea is Ukraine, and any manifestation of occupation will receive our tough response”.
The strike follows what the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine called a “record operation” on June 1, when drones disabled 41 Russian strategic bombers at multiple airfields deep inside Russian territory.
The pattern is clear: Ukraine is expanding its reach, hitting not only frontline positions but strategic assets in Russia’s deep rear. First the bombers. Now the bridge. Putin’s image of unshakable control grows more fragile every day.
