On Tuesday (June 3), Ukraine required responsibility for an underwater explosion that damaged the Kerch bridge, a vital artery connecting Russia with the attachment of the Crimean Peninsula. The Ukraine Security Service (SBU) has described this operation as a “unique special operation” that has described the third for the third time since the beginning of the Russian invasion in 2022.
The explosion, which exploded more than 1,000 kilograms of explosives connected to an underwater column, sent a cloud of water and dirt in dramatic videos issued by Ukrainian officials. While the full range of damage remains unclear, the Russian authorities temporarily closed the bridge for about four hours before the operation renewed on Tuesday afternoon.
Why is the Kerch Bridge attack essential
Strategic Lifeline: 19 kilometers (12 million) Kerch Bridge is the only fixed connection between Russia and Crimea, transporting units, weapons, fuel and civilian supplies.
Military bidding route: The bridge is essential for maintaining Russian military operations in southern Ukraine, especially in conflict zones, such as the Zeporizhzhia region.
Symbolic meaning: Bridge, which was built after an illegal annexation in Russia in the Crimea in the Crimea, represents the Moscow claim for control of the peninsula and is a symbol of Russian power and pride.
Operational disruption: Damage to the bridge delay and complicates the logistics of Russia, which affects timely delivery of strengthening and materials into the front lines.
Psychological impact: The attack on such a high -ranking and allegedly safe structure undermines Russian morality and reveals vulnerabilities in the occupied territories.
Part of the larger campaign: Kerch Bridge Strike monitors a wave of Ukrainian operations focused on Russian air bases and rail infrastructure aimed at interrupting the critical supply routes deep inside the Russian controlled areas.
Key points
Ukraine destroyed over 40 Russian military aircraft in the main attack of drones just before the attack of Kerch Bridge.
The underwater explosion damaged the bridge support pole and temporarily stopped the operation.
Russia acknowledged closure, but did not disclose the full range of damage.
The SBU described the strike of the bridge as a “unique special operation”, including more than 1,000 kg of explosives.
The bridge is vital for Russian military logistics and the flow of supplies to the occupied Crimea and South Ukraine.
The strike is part of the Ukraine strategy to weaken the Russian supply line and regain dynamics in the ongoing conflict.
Symbolically, the bridge is a strong sign of Russian control. President Vladimir Putin personally opened it in 2018 by performing his newly completed span – depiction of Moscow’s defiance face to face international condemnation. Its construction led by Putin Ally and Oligarch Arkada Rotenberg was quickly monitored two years after annexation.
This latest attack shows the ability of Ukraine to perform deep and accurate strikes against key Russian infrastructure, escalate pressure on Moscow military operations and signaling the ongoing Ukrainian determination to stop peace negotiations.
Repetitive target
This latest operation means the third confirmed attack on the bridge. The first, in October 2022, caused massive fire and structural damage after the bomber truck explosion. The second, in July 2023, left part of the road and killed two civilians. Tuesday’s explosion underscores Ukraine’s continuing intention to weaken Russian military logistics and recruit control over the territory of the Lost since 2014.
Kyiv has repeatedly stated that the bridge is a legitimate military goal.
Ukrainian strikes on Russian air bases
Only two days before the bombing of Kerch Bridge, Ukraine performed one of its largest drone operations of the war and focused on four Russian air bases through Arctic, Siberia and the Far East. Coordinated punches, bridging three time zones, allegedly took a year to plan. According to Ukrainian officials, these operations destroyed more than 40 war aircraft, including bombers Tu-95 Tu-95 Tu-95 and Tu-22M3, which are able to carry both conventional and nuclear weapons.
Strategic goals for attacks Ukraine on Russian air bases
Neutralize air energy: Destroy long range bombers (like Tu-95 and Tu-22M3) that Russia uses for missile blows in Ukraine. Reduce Russia’s ability to start air attacks from deep territory.
To disrupt logistics and operations: damage to aircraft, fuel warehouses and support infrastructure to prevent mobility and readiness of the Russian Air Force. To force Russia to move assets and stretch its logistics.
Exposure of vulnerability: to demonstrate the ability of Ukraine to hit thousands of kilometers in Russian territory and undermine the perception of Russian internal security.
Building a lever effect for negotiations: Increase the pressure on Moscow during peace interviews by hitting strategic goals with a high value.
Regain Initiative: Transition from defensive to offensive posture, while the war deep into the Russian control space regain strategic dynamics.
(Tagstotranslate) Kerch Bridge Attack