Ukraine's Stealthy Strike: Underwater Explosives Hit Crimea Bridge

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has announced a significant underwater attack on the Crimea bridge, utilizing over a ton of explosives. This operation, overseen by SBU director Lieutenant General Vasyl Malyuk, underscores Ukraine's continued efforts to disrupt Russian logistics amid ongoing conflict, raising questions about the future of this controversial structure.

Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) reported a successful strike on the Crimea bridge, executing a meticulously planned operation that employed underwater explosives. After several months of preparation, the SBU disclosed that agents mined the bridge's supports with 1,100kg of explosives, substantially damaging the lower level of the structure. The initial explosion occurred early Tuesday morning with assurances from the SBU that there were no civilian casualties.

Initially, Russian media reported a temporary halt to traffic on the bridge, but it was said to have reopened by 10:00 local time (08:00 GMT). Nonetheless, by Tuesday afternoon, local officials indicated that the bridge was closed once again, with unverified social media accounts suggesting further explosions had been detected around the site. While Russia refrained from commenting immediately on the incident, military bloggers speculated on the possibility of an underwater drone being responsible rather than explosives.

General Vasyl Malyuk, head of the SBU, took charge of the operation, stating that strikes on the Crimea bridge were a recurring theme for Ukraine, having previously attacked it in 2022 and 2023. He emphasized that illegal Russian installations in Ukrainian territory are valid targets, suggesting that the bridge’s role as a logistical lifeline for Russian troops made it particularly significant.

Known as Kerch Bridge, the construction has become a potent symbol of Russian domination since its completion in 2018, following Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014. The bridge's strategic importance and the extensive security measures guarding it make this underwater assault a remarkable feat for Ukrainian forces. The attack follows closely on the heels of Ukraine's 'Spider Web' operation that succeeded in smuggling drones into Russia to strike critical military assets. The ongoing events hint at an intensified phase in the conflict, as Kyiv remains resolute in its campaign against Russian operations in the region.