Ukraine Strikes Russia’s Kerch Bridge with Underwater Explosives in High-Stakes Operation

 Ukraine damages the Kerch Bridge linking Crimea to Russia using underwater explosives in a bold military operation. Get the latest on the ongoing conflict and NATO developments.

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Ukraine Hits Kerch Bridge with Underwater Bomb, Severely Damaging Key Russia-Crimea Link

In a dramatic escalation of its military strategy, Ukraine has launched a powerful underwater explosive attack on the Kerch Bridge, a critical link connecting Russian-occupied Crimea to mainland Russia. The operation, confirmed by Ukraine’s SBU security service, severely damaged the underwater base of the 12-mile-long bridge that holds immense symbolic and logistical value for the Kremlin.

This latest move marks the third strike on the Kerch Bridge since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, and comes just days after Ukraine's drone assault on Russia’s strategic bomber fleet.

"The Kerch Bridge is an absolutely legitimate target," said Lt Gen Vasyl Maliuk of the SBU, emphasizing its use as a vital supply route for Russian troops in occupied territories.

 Blast Equivalent to Over 1 Tonne of TNT

According to Ukraine's SBU, the high-impact operation was planned over several months and involved more than a metric tonne of TNT, strategically detonated beneath the bridge. The explosion caused substantial structural damage to the bridge’s support pillars. Footage released by SBU shows a dramatic waterborne blast and debris scattering from the structure.

Russia has temporarily suspended road traffic on the bridge following the attack. State media confirmed a four-hour closure on Tuesday.

 Escalating Conflict and Retaliatory Claims

In retaliation, Russia’s investigative committee accused Ukraine of committing “acts of terrorism,” pointing to two other railway bridge explosions that reportedly led to 7 deaths and over 100 injuries, including children.

This latest offensive highlights Ukraine’s increasing confidence and capabilities in striking deep within Russian-held territory. It also comes as Ukraine prepares to attend the NATO summit scheduled for June 24–26 in The Hague — a significant diplomatic victory after concerns over tensions with the Trump administration.

 Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks Remain Elusive

Meanwhile, peace negotiations held in Istanbul on Monday failed to achieve a breakthrough. Russia rejected Ukraine’s call for an unconditional ceasefire, instead proposing a short-term truce in select frontline regions. Talks concluded in under two hours, with both sides exchanging “roadmaps to peace” and agreeing on a large-scale prisoner exchange.

"The settlement issue is extremely complex and involves a large number of nuances," said Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, urging against expectations of quick resolutions.

Russia’s demands include the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from four territories it claims to have annexed — a condition Kyiv has firmly rejected.

🇺🇸 Ukraine Ramps Up Diplomatic Pressure in US

As the conflict intensifies, Ukrainian officials have arrived in Washington to push for increased sanctions against Moscow. Chief of staff Andriy Yermak and Deputy PM Yulia Svrydenko are meeting with US officials to discuss battlefield support and economic pressure on Russia.

“We plan to talk about defence support and the situation on the battlefield, strengthening sanctions against Russia,” said Yermak.

Talks of a potential three-way summit between the presidents of Russia, Ukraine, and the US were also shut down by Peskov, who insisted that such a meeting would only be possible after substantial progress at the negotiation level.

 Strategic and Symbolic Impact of the Kerch Attack

The Kerch Bridge, opened by President Vladimir Putin in 2018, is not only a strategic military supply line but also a symbol of Russia’s claim over Crimea. The recent blast marks Ukraine’s continued refusal to accept Russian occupation and demonstrates Kyiv’s ability to target high-value assets — even those under heavy protection.

"Crimea is Ukraine," Lt Gen Maliuk reaffirmed, warning that any "manifestations of occupation will receive our tough response."