Ukraine destroys Crimean Bridge Support and recently carried out a strong underwater explosion that caused serious damage to a long bridge connecting Crimea to Russia. This bridge, which spans over 12 miles, is crucial for Russia because it facilitates the movement of soldiers and equipment during the ongoing war. By targeting this structure, Ukraine has made it more difficult for Russian forces to transport supplies and continue their military operations smoothly. It was built and opened in 2018 and is seen as one of President Vladimir Putin’s key projects.
Ukraine’s primary security service, the SBU, confirmed it conducted the recent operation. They confirmed that their team had planned and carried out the mission that damaged the bridge connecting Crimea to Russia. According to officials, the underwater explosion was carefully planned and used more than a ton of explosives. The explosion badly harmed the base structures under the bridge. Ukraine has tried to hit this bridge for the third time since Russia launched its full invasion in 2022.Part of a Larger Strategy.
This latest attack on the Crimean bridge came shortly after another major strike by Ukraine — a drone attack that targeted and damaged part of Russia’s strategic bomber fleet. These actions appear to be part of Ukraine’s effort to counter the notion, primarily promoted by some in the Trump administration, that Ukraine has limited influence in this ongoing conflict.
Ukrainian officials are also preparing for important diplomatic steps President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine has been asked to take part in the upcoming NATO gathering. He said that not being invited would have been seen as a win for Russia.
Earlier Attacks and Ongoing Damage
Ukraine’s first strike on the Kerch Bridge happened in October 2022, when a truck blast was used to hit the structure. Later, in July 2023, they hit it again using a test version of a sea drone, causing more damage. Both times, Russia managed to repair the bridge and restore traffic. However, the recent attack has once again disrupted movement. Russian officials temporarily shut down road traffic after the blast and confirmed that repairs are ongoing.
Lieutenant General Vasyl Maliuk, who leads Ukraine’s security service (SBU), stated that the bridge is a valid target because Russia uses it to move weapons and other supplies to its soldiers. He added that Crimea belongs to Ukraine, and any signs of occupation will be met with strong resistance.
The SBU released a video showing a powerful explosion beneath the water and debris flying into the air. They also shared images of damage to the side of the bridge.
Other Developments: Rail Bridges and Civilian Casualties
In addition to the bridge attack, Russia has accused Ukraine of destroying two railway bridges within Russia over the weekend. The incidents led to two separate train crashes that killed seven people and injured over 100 others, including children. Russia is calling these events acts of terrorism.
On the battlefield, the city of Sumy in northeastern Ukraine was hit by a Russian rocket attack that killed at least four people and injured 25 others. President Zelenskyy condemned the attack, saying it shows that Russia has no intention of stopping the war.
Talks Between Ukraine and Russia See Little Progress
While the fighting continues, diplomatic efforts to end the conflict are ongoing but appear to be stalled. Talks were recently held in Istanbul, but Russia rejected Ukraine’s call for a complete ceasefire. Instead, Russia suggested a brief pause in fighting lasting two to three days in certain parts of the battlefront.
According to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, finding a peaceful solution is a complicated process, and people should not expect quick results. During the talks, both countries agreed to exchange prisoners of war and shared documents outlining their views on how peace could be achieved.
Russia stated that for any pause in fighting, Ukraine would need to pull its soldiers out of four areas in the east and south—territories that Russia says now belong to them. Ukraine has not accepted this condition.
US, Ukraine, and Sanctions
Ukraine’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, along with Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svrydenko, has traveled to the United States to push for tougher sanctions against Russia. Yermak stated that discussions will include military aid, the current situation on the ground, and the need to increase pressure on Russia through sanctions.
Meanwhile, Peskov said there is no chance of a meeting happening soon between the presidents of Russia, Ukraine, and the US. He said such a meeting is not likely to happen anytime soon, and it would only make sense after both sides come to a broader agreement.
The White House has said that former President Donald Trump is open to the idea of holding a summit. President Zelenskyy and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also support this idea. However, no steps have been taken yet to make it happen.
Ukraine’s NATO Invitation
President Zelenskyy expressed happiness after Ukraine received an invitation to join the NATO summit, which is scheduled to take place from June 24 to 26 in The Hague. He shared his thoughts after speaking with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte during their meeting in Vilnius, Lithuania.
Zelenskyy’s presence at the summit is likely to draw attention to Ukraine’s continued efforts to defend itself against Russia. It will also help Ukraine seek more support from NATO countries and strengthen its global partnerships.
Ukraine continues to strike major Russian targets, including the key Crimean bridge, in its ongoing efforts to resist Russian occupation. These military actions are happening alongside diplomatic efforts, including peace talks and Ukraine’s participation in the upcoming NATO summit. Tensions remain high, and while some progress has been made through prisoner exchanges, major disagreements—such as Russia’s territorial demands—are preventing a full ceasefire. Ukraine also seeks greater global support, including tougher sanctions on Russia, while discussions about potential peace summits remain uncertain.
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