
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.