World

Ukraine claims fresh attack on Crimean bridge

Bridge temporarily closed to traffic for around four hours, says Russian state media

By AFP
June 03, 2025
This video grab taken from a handout footage released by the Ukrainian Security Service on June 3, 2025, allegedly shows the explosion of the Kerch Bridge connecting Crimea with Russia following a special operation carried out by the Ukrainian Security Service, amid the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian conflict. — AFP
This video grab taken from a handout footage released by the Ukrainian Security Service on June 3, 2025, allegedly shows the explosion of the Kerch Bridge connecting Crimea with Russia following a special operation carried out by the Ukrainian Security Service, amid the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian conflict. — AFP

Ukraine said on Tuesday it had detonated a bomb under the Crimean bridge which links the annexed peninsula to Russia and has been widely targeted since Russia invaded in 2022.

Kyiv's SBU secret service said it had "conducted a new unique special operation and hit the Crimean Bridge for the third time — this time underwater."

It published footage showing a blast coming out of the water and debris flying, along with a photo of some damage to the side of the bridge.

But the extent of the damage caused by the blast was unclear and the 19-kilometres (12-mile) bridge appeared to be in operation as normal on Tuesday afternoon.

Russian state media reported it had been temporarily closed to traffic for around four hours earlier on Tuesday.

The SBU said it had detonated more than 1,000 kilograms of explosive material planted to one of the bridge´s underwater pillars.

Ukraine says the bridge is a legitimate target as it used to move troops and military equipment for its invasion.