Kremlin Claims Ukrainian Attack on Crimean Bridge Left Infrastructure Intact Despite Underwater Explosion

On Wednesday, Moscow stated that a Ukrainian strike on the bridge connecting the annexed Crimean peninsula to Russia resulted in «no damage.»

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) announced on Tuesday that they had set off an explosion on one of the bridge’s underwater pillars, releasing a video showing the resulting blast and debris flying from the water.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed to the media, «Indeed, there was an explosion. However, nothing was harmed. The bridge remains operational.»

Since Russia’s large-scale military invasion commenced in February 2022, Ukraine has repeatedly targeted the 19-kilometer (12-mile) bridge.

In October 2022, the bridge suffered significant damage when a bomb hidden in a truck detonated, which diminished its transport capacity and necessitated extensive repairs by Russia.

Ukraine claims the road and rail connection is utilized for transporting Russian troops and military supplies, making it a legitimate military target.

Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 amidst the conflict between Kyiv and Russian-backed separatists in the east, following Ukraine’s pro-EU revolution.

Inaugurated in 2018, the multi-billion-dollar bridge is viewed by both Ukraine and Russia as a powerful symbol of Moscow’s control over the peninsula.