Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) has claimed responsibility for a strategic assault on the Crimean Bridge, reportedly using underwater explosives in an operation that took several months to execute.
According to the agency, its operatives planted charges around the bridge’s support structures, equivalent in power to roughly 1,100 kilograms of TNT. The resulting detonation, the SBU said, caused substantial damage to the lower structural components.
The service emphasized that the initial blast was carefully timed to avoid any civilian harm. These claims, however, have not yet been independently confirmed.
Russian state outlets first reported a short-term suspension of traffic on the bridge, though access was reportedly restored by 10:00 local time (08:00 GMT). Later in the day, regional authorities again halted movement across the bridge, citing fresh security concerns.
Meanwhile, unverified accounts circulating online suggested that additional explosions may have occurred near the site.
The official Telegram channel responsible for disseminating real-time updates regarding the Crimea Bridge incident issued a calm advisory to all individuals situated on or within the inspection perimeter of the bridge, urging strict adherence to the directives of transport security officials to ensure safety and order.
Despite the severity of the reported attack on Tuesday morning, Russian authorities have yet to provide an official statement. Meanwhile, Russian military analysts and bloggers have speculated that the damage sustained may have resulted from an underwater drone collision with a protective barrier, rather than the detonation of explosives as claimed.
Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) revealed that the operation was conducted under the direct supervision of its Director, Lieutenant General Vasyl Malyuk, who played a pivotal role in orchestrating the mission from planning to execution.
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In a detailed Telegram communication, Malyuk reflected on Ukraine’s previous successful strikes against the Crimea Bridge in both 2022 and 2023, emphasizing that the latest underwater offensive represents a continuation of this strategic campaign.
He asserted, “No unlawful Russian infrastructure should be tolerated on Ukrainian soil. The Crimean Bridge, having been militarized by the adversary as a crucial logistical corridor for troop and equipment movements, stands as a legitimate target under international law.”
Malyuk’s statement underscores the bridge’s dual role as both a civilian transit route and a militarized asset, thereby justifying Ukraine’s targeting of the structure within the broader context of its territorial defense and sovereignty restoration efforts.
Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) has revealed that it carried out a covert attack on the Crimean Bridge using underwater explosives, marking the culmination of a months-long operation.
According to the agency, the foundation of the bridge was rigged with explosive devices amounting to the force of approximately 1,100 kilograms of TNT. This, the SBU claimed, caused extensive structural damage to the lower sections of the bridge.
The agency also emphasized that the initial detonation was carried out in a manner that ensured no civilian casualties. However, the details offered by the SBU have not been independently authenticated.
Initial reports from Russian media indicated that the bridge was temporarily closed to vehicular movement but reopened by 10:00 a.m. local time (08:00 GMT). Later in the day, regional officials announced another suspension of traffic.
Meanwhile, unverified posts on social media suggested that additional blasts may have taken place near the bridge.