The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) carried out a dramatic underwater detonation beneath the Crimean Bridge, a crucial transport link between Russia and Crimea, resulting in a state of emergency. The operation, which involved approximately 2,500 pounds of explosives, was described as a continuation of previous strikes on the bridge, with SBU officials citing its role as a logistical artery for Russian forces. This attack follows a series of coordinated drone strikes, known as ‘Operation Spider’s Web,’ which targeted Russian military installations. The SBU highlighted the bridge’s status as a legitimate target, emphasizing the need to counter Russian occupation. While traffic across the bridge was temporarily disrupted, no civilians were reported to have been harmed in the blast.
The SBU said that the attack was the result of months of planning, with Lt. Gen. Vasily Malyuk overseeing the operation. Malyuk reiterated the bridge’s status as a legitimate target, given its use by Russian forces as a logistical artery. The SBU noted that the bridge had been previously struck in 2022 and 2023, and this attack continued that tradition. The attack is part of a broader strategy to disrupt Russian supply lines and weaken its military capabilities in the region.
The impact of the attack on the Crimean Bridge is significant, as it is a critical link for Russia’s military movements and supplies to and from Crimea, which is under Russian occupation. The disruption of this artery could have long-term implications for the ongoing war, affecting Russia’s ability to reinforce its positions and supply its troops. The bridge’s closure also had immediate effects on local traffic, with delays reported in the hours following the explosion. However, there were no casualties among civilians, which the SBU stated as a priority in its operations.