The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has carried out its third attack on the Crimean Bridge since the start of the full-scale war, by planting explosives and damaging the underwater pillars of this strategic structure, according to Ukrainian media reports.
“The operation lasted several months. SBU agents planted explosives on the supporting pillars of this illegal structure,” stated the SBU in a message on Telegram, also reported by the Kyiv Independent.
The Crimean Bridge, built after Russia’s illegal annexation of the peninsula in 2014, serves as a critical supply and transport route for Russian forces in the occupied territories of Ukraine.
“Today, without causing civilian casualties, the first explosion was triggered at 4:44 a.m.,” the SBU added.
According to the announcement, the underwater pillars at the base of the bridge were severely damaged after about 1,100 kilograms of TNT-equivalent explosives were detonated.
It is currently unclear whether the bridge remains operational.
Kyiv Independent recalls that the bridge also suffered significant damage in two previous Ukrainian attacks – in October 2022 and July 2023 – but neither of those managed to completely cut off traffic.
Beyond its strategic value, the bridge also holds great symbolic importance for the Kremlin. Built at a cost of $4 billion, its construction was seen as a political move to reinforce Russia’s illegal claim over the Crimean Peninsula.
