The Ukrainian security service (SBU) has released a video and statement claiming to have successfully damaged a strategic road and rail bridge linking Russia to occupied Crimea. The bridge, also known as the Kerch Bridge, is used by Russia to supply its military in occupied parts of Ukraine.
According to the SBU, 1,100kg of explosives was placed deep underwater over several months and detonated remotely before 05:00 local time on the morning of June 3. This caused damage to the bridge’s underwater pillars.
Traffic across the Kerch Strait was initially suspended but later resumed. However, local authorities have since warned that the bridge has closed again due to the explosion.
This is not the first time the Kerch Bridge has been targeted by Ukraine. It has already been hit twice since the start of the war in 2022. The bridge is a key supply route for Russian forces in Ukraine and was built by Russia after it annexed Crimea in 2014.
The Ukrainian security service’s statement claims that the operation was carried out by SBU agents who detonated the explosives remotely, causing significant damage to the bridge’s underwater supports. The footage released by the SBU appears to show the moment of the explosion.
