Ukraine’s Underwater Blast Targets Key Russian Bridge to Crimea in Daring New Strike

Ukraine has launched a high-stakes underwater attack on the Russian bridge Kerch Bridge, a vital road and rail link between Russia and the occupied Crimean Peninsula, delivering a significant blow to Moscow’s logistics infrastructure in the ongoing war. According to Kyiv’s SBU security service, the blast was carried out using over a metric tonne of TNT, targeting the base of the bridge supports beneath the waterline. This marks the third major attack on the 12-mile-long structure since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.

The Russian Bridge

The underwater attack, described by Ukrainian officials as months in the making, comes on the heels of another headline-grabbing operation: a long-range drone attack that damaged nearly 34% of Russia’s strategic cruise missile carriers stationed deep inside the country.

SBU head Lt Gen Vasyl Maliuk, who oversaw the operation, called the Kerch Bridge (Russia’s bridge to Crimea) “an absolutely legitimate target,” citing its critical role in transporting Russian military supplies. He reaffirmed Ukraine’s stance: “Crimea is Ukraine, and any manifestations of occupation will receive our tough response.”

Ukraine Turns Up Pressure Ahead of NATO Summit

Russian bridge attack coincides with Ukraine’s formal invitation to the NATO summit in The Hague later this month—a move Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed as “important” amid rising geopolitical tensions. Zelenskyy had previously warned that excluding Ukraine would be seen as a “victory” for Russia.

Road traffic on the Russian bridge was temporarily suspended for approximately four hours, according to Russian officials, while state media showed images of damage and debris from the blast.

Footage released by Ukraine’s SBU shows the moment of the underwater explosion, with a plume erupting from beneath the Russian bridge and scattering debris across the structure.

Kremlin Cries Terrorism, Talks Stall

In response, Russia’s investigative committee accused Ukraine of committing “acts of terrorism,” pointing not only to the Kerch Bridge explosion but also to the blowing up of two railway bridges in Russia over the weekend. The incidents reportedly caused two train crashes, resulting in seven deaths and over 100 injuries, including children.

Meanwhile, diplomatic progress remains elusive. A recent round of talks in Istanbul concluded without a breakthrough, as Russia rejected Ukraine’s call for an unconditional ceasefire. Instead, Moscow proposed a limited two- to three-day truce in select regions—a far cry from the comprehensive peace that Ukraine is seeking.

Ukraine Seeks Stronger Sanctions

As the war grinds on, Ukrainian officials are intensifying efforts to rally international support. Andriy Yermak, Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, and Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svrydenko are currently in the United States pushing for tougher sanctions on Russia and more military support.

While the White House has stated that President Trump is “open” to a summit with Volodymyr Zelensky and Vladimir Putin, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed the idea, saying such a meeting was “unlikely” without prior diplomatic agreement.

For now, Ukraine’s strategy appears to be shifting: high-impact strikes, stronger alliances, and maximum pressure ahead of pivotal global summits.