Ukraine says it hit bridge connecting Russia, Crimea with underwater explosives

Ukrainian officials said Tuesday that they hit a bridge that connects Russia to Crimea with underwater explosives.

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) detonated the explosives at 4:44 a.m. local time, continuing the strike for three hours, using 1,100 kilograms of explosives to hit the bridge used by Russian forces as a supply route, The Hill news outlet reported.

“No illegal objects of the Russian Federation have a place on the territory of our state. Therefore, the Crimean Bridge is an absolutely legitimate target, especially considering that the enemy used it as a logistical artery to supply its troops,” SBU Chairman Lt. Gen. Vasyl Maliuk said in a statement.

“Crimea is Ukraine, and any manifestations of occupation will receive our harsh response,” he added. 

Ukraine also hit the bridge in 2022 and 2023.

Tuesday's strike follows an attack on Sunday in which drones were used to destroy what Ukraine described as nearly a third of Russia's bombers. However, Russia disputed the amount that was damaged.

Before the Sunday attack, Russia had launched one of the most deadly strikes against Kiev, while the Trump administration has attempted to broker a ceasefire deal.