Why is the Kerch Bridge attack significant in relation to the war in Ukraine?

The Kerch Bridge holds great significance to the war in Ukraine due to its strategic importance as the only direct link between mainland Russia and Crimea. Following Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, the bridge was constructed to connect the peninsula to Russia. The 12-mile bridge, which includes separate road and railway components, spans the Kerch Strait. Its completion in 2018 was celebrated by Vladimir Putin, who drove a Kamaz truck from Kerch to Crimea, hailing the bridge as a “miracle.”

On Monday, the bridge was closed after explosions occurred, resulting in the loss of two lives and injuries to a child. This marked the second attack on the bridge since Russia’s invasion. The explosions targeted a section of the road bridge, severing it near pillar 145, rendering it impassable. Notably, the bridge had previously been hit by a truck bomb in October, leading to its temporary closure. While Russia blamed Ukraine for that incident, Ukraine has not claimed responsibility.

Reports suggest that Monday’s attack involved unmanned explosive-carrying sea drones, which were directed to the bridge and detonated from beneath the roadway. Russia has once again blamed Ukraine, asserting that “two Ukrainian unmanned underwater vehicles carried out an attack on the Crimean Bridge.” However, Ukraine has not publicly acknowledged involvement in the attack, maintaining a policy of disavowing attacks in Crimea and mainland Russia.

Following the October attack, Russia implemented stringent security measures to protect the bridge. Travelers faced extensive security checks, and anti-air defenses were strengthened. Russia also deployed a decoy “target barge” and trained dolphins to safeguard its Black Sea fleet in Sevastopol. Despite these measures, the bridge has been targeted once again, dealing a blow to the Kremlin’s prestige and highlighting the repercussions of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The immediate consequences of the attack include rerouting Russian tourists through newly occupied territories in southeast Ukraine, as individuals seeking to leave Crimea can no longer rely on the bridge. However, the extent of damage to the roadway bridge is yet to be determined, while the railway bridge, crucial for transporting freight, including military vehicles and equipment, appears unaffected.