Ukraine with Underwater Explosives Cripples Crimean Bridge

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Ukraine’s SBU Detonates 2425 Pounds of Underwater Explosives to Cripple Putin’s Prized $3 Billion Crimean Bridge in Daring Pre-Dawn Strike

By TRH News Desk

NEW DELHI, June 3, 2025 – In a stunning pre-dawn operation, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) detonated 2,425 pounds of TNT equivalent in underwater explosives, severely damaging the underwater supports of Russia’s $3 billion Crimean Bridge, also known as the Kerch Bridge.

The strike, which occurred at 4:44 AM local time, marks a significant escalation in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, targeting a key logistical artery for Russian forces and a symbol of Moscow’s annexation of Crimea.

The operation, lauded by Ukrainian officials as a strategic success, has drawn global attention, with experts warning of potential Russian retaliation and broader geopolitical ramifications.

The SBU claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that its agents had “mined the supports” of the 12-mile-long bridge with 1,100 kg (2,425 pounds) of explosives over several months. According to a statement on their official Telegram channel, reported by ABC News, “The underwater supports of the piers were severely damaged at the bottom level—1,100 kg of explosives in TNT equivalent contributed to this.”

The SBU emphasized that the operation was executed “without any civilian casualties,” a point reiterated by SBU chief Vasyl Malyuk, who said, “No illegal Russian facilities have a place on the territory of our state.” Malyuk added that the bridge, used by Russia to supply its troops, was a “legitimate target.”

The Guardian reported that the operation “severely damaged” the base of the Crimean Bridge, a prestige project inaugurated by Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2018 following Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014. The bridge has been a hated symbol of occupation for Ukrainians, and this marks the third major attack on the structure since 2022, highlighting Ukraine’s determination to disrupt Russian logistics.

The attack has elicited strong reactions from geopolitical experts, who see it as both a tactical victory for Ukraine and a potential flashpoint for escalation. Dr. Patricia Lewis, director of the International Security Programme at Chatham House, told The Guardian, “This operation demonstrates Ukraine’s growing capability to strike high-value targets deep behind enemy lines, but it also raises the risk of a severe Russian response.” Lewis noted that while the bridge’s symbolic and strategic importance makes it a prime target, the timing—amid ongoing peace talks in Istanbul—could complicate diplomatic efforts.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, speaking to ABC News, described the strike as a “strategic operation” that “is definitely reducing Russia’s potential, and demonstrates that Ukraine is working on certain steps.” He added, “Unless they will stop, we will continue,” signaling Kyiv’s resolve to maintain pressure on Moscow.

Zelenskyy also pressed the US for stronger support, stating, “We are looking for very strong steps on the part of President Trump to support the sanctions and to force President Putin to stop this war.”

Russian authorities, meanwhile, downplayed the damage but confirmed the bridge was closed to traffic for several hours. The official Telegram channel for the bridge, cited by BBC News, urged those in the area to “remain calm and follow the instructions of the transport security officers.” However, unconfirmed social media reports of additional explosions later in the day suggest the situation remains volatile.

Geopolitical analyst Irina Tsukerman, president of Scarab Rising, warned in The National Interest that “this strike could provoke a significant Russian retaliation, potentially targeting Ukrainian infrastructure or even NATO assets if Moscow perceives Western involvement.” She added, “The Kremlin cannot afford to let such a symbolic blow go unanswered, especially after recent battlefield setbacks.”

Reports said that Russia carried out drone and missile strikes on Ukrainian cities like Sumy and Kharkiv on the same day, which Zelenskyy called a “fully deliberate attack on civilians.”

This operation follows a pattern of Ukrainian strikes on the Crimean Bridge, with previous attacks in 2022 and 2023 also causing significant disruptions. BBC News noted that the SBU’s use of underwater explosives marks a new level of sophistication, with Malyuk personally supervising the operation.

The bridge’s closure, even temporarily, disrupts Russia’s ability to supply its forces in Crimea, a critical hub for military operations in southern Ukraine.

The strike comes amid other Ukrainian successes, including a drone raid on Moscow’s strategic bomber fleet just days prior. The Guardian highlighted that these operations coincide with Ukraine’s invitation to the upcoming NATO summit, a development Zelenskyy called a potential “victory” for Kyiv in countering Russian influence. However, the timing also complicates peace talks, with Russia rejecting Ukraine’s call for an unconditional ceasefire in Istanbul, offering instead a partial truce of two to three days, as reported by ABC News.

Ukraine’s daring strike on the Crimean Bridge underscores its ability to challenge Russian dominance, but it also raises the stakes in an already volatile conflict.