Ukrainian forces have reportedly struck the Kerch Bridge, a crucial link between Russia and Crimea, using underwater explosives. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) released footage showing the attack on Tuesday. According to the SBU, 1,100 kilograms of explosives were used to damage the bridge’s underwater supports. The kerch Bridge serves as a vital supply line for Russian troops in Ukraine.

Russian authorities reported a temporary suspension of the bridge’s operation for approximately three hours. While the reason for the closure was not initially disclosed, officials later stated that the bridge had reopened and was functioning normally.

“Previously,we hit the Crimean Bridge twice,in 2022 and 2023. So today we continued this tradition underwater,” the SBU saeid, noting the operation was months in the making.

This attack follows a large-scale Ukrainian drone operation, codenamed “Spider’s Web”, targeting long-range bomber planes at Russian airfields on Sunday.

The 19km Crimea Bridge over the Kerch Strait is the only direct link between the transport network of Russia and the Crimean peninsula, which Moscow illegally annexed from Ukraine in 2014.

Civilian Casualties in Sumy

“That’s all one needs to know about the russian wish to end this war.”
– Volodymyr Zelenskyy

In a separate incident, a Russian artillery strike on the north-eastern city of Sumy resulted in three fatalities and 25 injuries, including children, according to city council and health ministry officials. The city of Sumy, with a population exceeding 255,000, is located approximately 30 km from the russian border.

A video from Reuters depicted rescue workers and police surveying the damage on a debris-strewn street. One body was visible, covered, near vehicles damaged by shrapnel.

The health ministry reported that 25 individuals sought medical care following the attack.