Ukraine Strikes Kerch Bridge In Crimea With Underwater Explosives




What Happened?

  • Ukraine’s security forces (SBU) damaged the Kerch Bridge—a critical 12-mile link between Russia and Crimea—using an underwater explosion. This marks the third attack on the bridge since Russia’s 2022 invasion.
  • The explosion targeted support pillars at the seabed, using a blast equal to 1,100 kg of TNT (that’s like detonating over 1,000 standard car bombs at once).
  • The attack occurred at 4:44 a.m., causing no civilian casualties but leaving the bridge in “emergency condition.”

How Did They Do It?

  • Ukrainian agents reportedly used an unmanned underwater vehicle (think: robotic sub) to plant explosives.
  • Video footage shows the moment of the blast, with the SBU calling it a “unique special operation.”

Bridge Status

  • Traffic was halted temporarily, but Russia reopened the bridge within hours.
  • Previous attacks (like a 2022 truck bomb and 2023 sea drones) took months to repair. This time, damage was less severe.

Why Is This Bridge So Important?

  • Symbolic Value: Built by Russia in 2018, the $3.7 billion bridge represents Moscow’s claim over Crimea (which most countries see as illegally occupied).
  • Strategic Role: It’s a major supply route for Russian military equipment and troops into southern Ukraine.

Recent Ukrainian Attacks

  • Just two days earlier, Ukraine’s “Operation Spider’s Web” reportedly destroyed 40 Russian warplanes, including long-range bombers.
  • These strikes suggest Ukraine is ramping up high-profile, risky operations to disrupt Russian logistics.

What’s Next?

  • Russia has not yet retaliated, but experts warn a massive response (like intense missile strikes) could come soon.
  • The bridge remains a prime target—its repeated damage undermines Russian control and morale.

Key Terms Made Simple

  • Kerch Bridge: A massive bridge linking Russia to Crimea; Europe’s longest.
  • TNT Equivalent: A way to measure explosion power. 1,100 kg of TNT = energy of 1,000 car bombs.
  • Unmanned Underwater Vehicle: A remote-controlled robot used for stealthy missions.

Visual Recap
(Imagine a map showing the bridge’s location between Russia and Crimea, with explosion marks at its pillars.)

TL;DR: Ukraine’s latest underwater attack on the Kerch Bridge highlights its growing confidence—and Russia’s vulnerability. While the bridge reopened quickly, the psychological and logistical blows deepen the war’s stakes.