Last month, Ukraine’s military carried out an attack on Russia’s bridge over the Kerch Strait, as confirmed by Kyiv. This strategic bridge serves as a crucial link between Russia and Crimea and plays a vital role in the resupply route for Russian forces occupying parts of southern Ukraine.
The incident, which occurred on 17th July, marked the second time the bridge was targeted. Russia reported that marine-based drones were utilized in the attack, resulting in the loss of two lives. In response to the attack, Moscow restricted the passage of ships and flights over the Strait, affecting transportation and logistics in the region.
After a period of ambiguity, Kyiv authorities claimed responsibility for the bridge’s damage on Thursday. The bridge is considered an essential way for Moscow to reinforce its troops in Crimea, a Ukrainian territory annexed by Russia in 2014, and in the southern Kherson region.
In July, Russia accused Ukraine of a “senseless” and “cruel” attack and vowed to retaliate. However, one of Ukraine’s high-ranking security officials, Oleksiy Danilov, appeared to mock the idea that the Russians had the bridge heavily protected. He asserted that Ukraine has demonstrated its capability to penetrate Russia’s defenses, challenging the notion of certain Russian facilities being “untouchable.”
Kyiv is now focused on accelerating its counter-offensive to regain territory in southern and eastern Ukraine. Any attack that disrupts traffic through the bridge will further complicate Moscow’s logistical challenges.
This recent incident marks the second major attack on Russia’s Kerch Strait bridge in the past year. The bridge had been partially closed after a significant explosion in October, but it was later fully reopened in February.
