**Ukraine Takes Out Russia’s Strategic Bridge**
A massive explosion has rocked the Kerch Strait Bridge, a vital link between occupied Crimea and mainland Russia. The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) confirmed that they carried out an operation to damage the bridge from below the waterline. This is not the first time Ukraine has struck the Russian-built structure – they’ve done it twice before, in 2022 and 2023.
**The Bridge’s Strategic Importance**
The Kerch Bridge is a key military logistics hub for Russia’s operations in occupied Crimea and southern Ukraine. It allows Russian forces to easily transport troops, equipment, and supplies across the waterway. By damaging the bridge’s underwater supports, Ukraine has dealt a significant blow to Russia’s ability to use this strategic structure.
**A Third Time’s Charm?**
SBU head Vasyl Maliuk personally oversaw the operation and hailed it as a success. In a statement, he said that Ukraine had “finished what it started” by damaging the bridge for the third time. The explosives used were equivalent to 1,100 kilograms of TNT, causing significant damage to the bridge’s structural supports.
**No Civilian Casualties**
Fortunately, there were no civilian casualties reported in the blast. However, the full extent of the underwater damage is still unclear and has yet to be independently verified. Russia remains silent on the matter at this time.
**A Sign of Ukraine’s Growing Capabilities?**
The attack on the Kerch Bridge suggests that Ukraine now possesses advanced technology capable of delivering explosives from underwater distances. This could be a game-changer in their fight against Russian occupation. The SBU’s statement implies that Ukraine is becoming increasingly sophisticated in its military operations, with capabilities to rival those of more established militaries.
**Ukraine Stands Up to Russia**
Maliuk emphasized that the strike was a response to Russia’s continued occupation of Ukrainian territory and the use of the bridge as a key supply route for Russian military operations. He vowed that Ukraine would continue to take tough action against any signs of occupation, calling the Crimean Bridge “a legitimate military target”.
**What Next?**
As tensions between Ukraine and Russia remain high, it remains to be seen how Moscow will react to this latest blow. Will they attempt to repair or replace the damaged bridge, or has this strike dealt a significant enough blow to cripple their operations in occupied Crimea?
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