Ukraine's strategic strike underlines persistent tensions and ongoing military engagements in the region.
**Ukraine Claims Successful Underwater Assault on Crimea Bridge**
**Ukraine Claims Successful Underwater Assault on Crimea Bridge**
Ukrainian Security Service conducts months-long operation targeting Russian-controlled bridge.
In a recent development regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) announced the successful detonation of underwater explosives on the Crimean Bridge, a critical infrastructure that symbolizes Russia's dominance in the region. This operation reportedly spanned several months, culminating in the placement of 1,100 kilograms of explosives which caused significant damage to the bridge's support structure. According to the SBU, the operation was executed carefully to avoid civilian casualties, with the first explosive device detonated early on Tuesday morning.
Initial reports from Russian media indicated a brief closure of the bridge to traffic, but it was opened again shortly after. However, by Tuesday afternoon, local authorities announced the bridge was closed once more amidst reports of further explosions in the vicinity, though these remain unverified. Russian military commentators have suggested that the incident might not have involved explosives at all, but rather an underwater drone impacting a protective structure.
Lieutenant General Vasyl Malyuk, the director of the SBU, is said to have personally overseen the operation, reinforcing his assertion that the Crimean Bridge, a significant logistical route for Russian forces, is an entirely legitimate military target. In a statement, Malyuk emphasized Ukraine's ongoing efforts to disrupt Russian operations dating back to previous strikes in 2022 and 2023, marking a continuous effort to challenge Russian capacity in the occupied territories.
The Crimean Bridge, inaugurated by President Vladimir Putin in 2018 following the annexation of the Crimean Peninsula, has become a focal point of Ukrainian resentment towards Russian occupation. Moscow has historically ensured heavy security around the bridge, making any successful attack a noteworthy event in the ongoing war.
This incident follows closely on the heels of Ukraine's 'Spider Web' operation, which involved smuggling over 100 drones into Russian territory to strike military assets, showcasing the increasing boldness of Ukraine's military tactics amidst the conflict.
Initial reports from Russian media indicated a brief closure of the bridge to traffic, but it was opened again shortly after. However, by Tuesday afternoon, local authorities announced the bridge was closed once more amidst reports of further explosions in the vicinity, though these remain unverified. Russian military commentators have suggested that the incident might not have involved explosives at all, but rather an underwater drone impacting a protective structure.
Lieutenant General Vasyl Malyuk, the director of the SBU, is said to have personally overseen the operation, reinforcing his assertion that the Crimean Bridge, a significant logistical route for Russian forces, is an entirely legitimate military target. In a statement, Malyuk emphasized Ukraine's ongoing efforts to disrupt Russian operations dating back to previous strikes in 2022 and 2023, marking a continuous effort to challenge Russian capacity in the occupied territories.
The Crimean Bridge, inaugurated by President Vladimir Putin in 2018 following the annexation of the Crimean Peninsula, has become a focal point of Ukrainian resentment towards Russian occupation. Moscow has historically ensured heavy security around the bridge, making any successful attack a noteworthy event in the ongoing war.
This incident follows closely on the heels of Ukraine's 'Spider Web' operation, which involved smuggling over 100 drones into Russian territory to strike military assets, showcasing the increasing boldness of Ukraine's military tactics amidst the conflict.
