Overview
On June 3 of 2025 Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) executed a significant operation targeting the Crimean Bridge which is also known as the Kerch Bridge that connects mainland Russia to the annexed Crimean Peninsula. Reports say The SBU had deployed over 1,100 kilograms of underwater explosives to damage the bridge’s support structures. Hence this becomes the 3rd major strategic attack on Russian infrastructure since 2022.
Strategic importance of The Kerch bridge
After the Russian annexation on creamia (2014) Kerch bridge has been open and functioning since 2018 . It holds significant strategic and symbolic value for Russia because it serves as the only land-based route linking Russia directly to Crimea ,The transport of troops, fuel, ammunition, and heavy equipment to Russia’s Southern Military Group operating in southern Ukraine, including Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Crimea. For Vladimir Putin, the bridge is a prestige project which symbolizes Russia’s control over the peninsulas.
Kerch Bridge : Wikipedia
Details of the attack
Ukrain used a very exciting and innovative approach to attack the bridge with the help of UUV . It Involved advanced underwater drones, possibly the "Marichka" Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV). This was developed by Ukraine and designed for covert sabotage. It has a range of 1,000 km and can carry up to 200–300 kg of explosives. Reports show multiple drones may have been used.This marks the first known successful combat use of an underwater drone at such a scale in the ongoing conflicts
Ukrainian Perspective and Broader Strategy
Ukraine views the Kerch Bridge as a legitimate military target due to its role in transporting Russian war materiel into occupied territories and hence this strike is part of Ukraine’s broader warfare efforts which include drone strikes, rail sabotage, and logistics disruption. This operation synced with recent Ukrainian deep drone strikes on Russian airfields housing Tu-22M and Tu-95 strategic bombers. These tactics create “gray zone warfare,” which aim to weaken Russian morale and force resource diversion to logistics defense.
Geopolitical implications
The Kerch bridge is an important artery for the Russian forces to move it's troops, artillery and supplies to Crimea. It is also a potent symbol for the annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014. This attack by Ukraine is a step forward to reduce Russia's presence in the Black sea. The invitation of NATO summit in June 2025 was confirmed by Ukraine shortly after the attack signalling continued backing by the west. Also the attack has created a sense of disappointment inside Russia, the military experts of Russia are expressing their frustration over repeated failures to protect the bridge.