Kyiv [Ukraine], June 3 (ANI): In a bold escalation of its counteroffensive, Ukraine has targeted the Kerch Bridge linking mainland Russia to Crimea for the third time, detonating 1,100 kilograms of TNT in a covert underwater operation, according to Euronews.
The Kerch Bridge, constructed by Moscow after its 2014 annexation of Crimea, is considered illegal by Ukraine and much of the international community. It plays a crucial role in transporting Russian military supplies to forces operating in southern Ukraine. The latest attack was carried out by Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU), which released video footage showing the underwater blast that occurred early Tuesday morning at 4:44 am (local time). No civilian casualties were reported.
In a statement shared on Telegram, the SBU detailed the months-long planning involved in the mission, confirming that SBU operatives rigged underwater bridge supports with explosives. SBU chief Vasyl Maliuk, who oversaw the mission, declared the strike a success, calling the bridge a “legitimate military target.”
“Crimea is Ukraine, and any acts of occupation will be dealt with harshly,” Maliuk said. “Third time’s a charm. The SBU always completes its plans and never repeats itself.”
This marks Ukraine’s third confirmed attack on the strategically significant bridge. Previous strikes occurred in October 2022 and July 2023, each inflicting structural damage and prompting Russian countermeasures.
In response to the latest strike, Russian authorities shut down the bridge to traffic on Tuesday morning. According to Euronews, citing Russian Telegram channels, the closure was initially attributed to debris from a drone falling on the roadway. Russia’s Defense Ministry later reported shooting down three Ukrainian drones over Crimea during the night.
The Kerch Bridge holds not only logistical but also symbolic value for the Kremlin. Its destruction or repeated targeting underscores Ukraine’s determination to reclaim annexed territory and its ability to strike far beyond the front lines, even against fortified Russian infrastructure.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts continue, albeit with limited progress. On Monday, Russian and Ukrainian delegations held a second round of direct peace negotiations in Istanbul. The meeting came just one day after Ukraine launched a surprise drone attack on Russian nuclear-capable bombers, CNN reported.
Though the discussions in Istanbul resulted in an agreement to pursue another prisoner exchange, no breakthrough was achieved on major issues such as a ceasefire, according to CNN. The talks, which lasted just over an hour, remain a tentative step in a highly volatile conflict. (ANI)
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