Ukraine executes underwater attack on Kerch Bridge

In Ukraine, a significant escalation in tensions occurred on June 3, 2025, when the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) executed a surprise underwater detonation on the Kerch Bridge. This bridge, which links mainland Russia to the occupied Crimean peninsula, has been a strategic supply route for Russian military operations since its inauguration in 2018. The latest operation involved around 1,100 kilograms of explosives, which successfully targeted the bridge's underwater pillars, resulting in substantial damage to this key infrastructure. Traffic across the bridge was temporarily suspended following the blast, which left it classified as being in a 'state of emergency.' This attack follows a series of extensive strikes conducted by Ukraine against Russian military positions deep within its territory, reported just days prior. President Volodymyr Zelensky described the previous operations, including the drone strikes aimed at Russian airbases, as 'absolutely brilliant,' indicating a strategic shift towards targeting logistical lines directly supporting the Russian invasion. The operation against the Kerch Bridge is viewed as part of Ukraine’s broader military strategy to disrupt Russian supply chains and diminish their operational capabilities in the ongoing conflict that has escalated since February 2022, when Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The SBU highlighted that the operation had been months in the planning, emphasizing their commitment to striking what they view as 'illegal objects' on Ukrainian territory. The bridge has been a focal point for tensions since its construction followed the annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014. Leaders from both Ukraine and Russia continue to express differing narratives surrounding the legitimacy of military actions as peace talks remain stalled and hostilities continue to escalate, with civilian populations on both sides suffering the dire consequences of ongoing conflict. As the dust settles from this latest attack, it is uncertain how Russia will respond, but officials have previously condemned Ukrainian strikes targeting infrastructure as acts of terrorism. The geopolitical implications of the strike raise the stakes in the conflict, with Ukraine firmly reiterating that all manifestations of occupation must be met with strong defensive responses. The incident marks another critical moment in an ongoing war that has traversed years and continues to evolve based on tactical engagements and military operations from both sides.