(Crimea) – The Kerch Bridge, which connects mainland Russia to the temporarily occupied Crimean Peninsula, was abruptly closed overnight following reports of explosions that have stirred fears of structural damage. Local social media channels and independent Telegram group “Crimean Wind” reported the suspected attack, suggesting a sea drone strike may have caused the disruption.
The Russian security services initially claimed that the extended closure was merely due to a routine technical inspection, urging those near the scene to remain calm and follow instructions. However, satellite radar imagery revealed electronic warfare systems near the bridge are currently non-operational, raising further suspicion.
Eighteen protective barges were seen forming a defensive barrier on the Black Sea side of the bridge, hinting at Russia’s concern over future attacks. The incident followed a massive Ukrainian drone campaign targeting Russian military and infrastructure assets across several regions, including deep strikes on airbases as far as Siberia.
Ukraine’s Security Service (SSU) confirmed it had successfully carried out a long-planned operation, codenamed “Spiderweb”, involving 117 artificial intelligence-powered drones. Smuggled secretly inside Russia over 18 months, the drones were deployed remotely in a coordinated strike across four major Russian airbases. The Ukrainian campaign aimed at reducing Moscow’s air superiority capabilities and neutralising its strategic bombing threat.
The SSU estimated that at least forty-one Russian military aircraft were damaged or destroyed. Among them were highly valuable models including A-50 surveillance planes, Tu-95 bombers, Tu-22M3s and supersonic Tu-160s, many of which have been used in long range attacks on Ukrainian cities. The estimated damage is believed to exceed 7 billion US dollars (approximately £5.5 billion).
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky personally oversaw the daring operation. SSU head Lieutenant General Vasyl Maliuk described it as a direct retaliation against the Russian Federation’s continued aggression and terror tactics. The strikes hit 34 percent of Russia’s strategic missile-carrying aircraft, a serious blow to its military aviation.
Maliuk highlighted the legality and precision of the strikes, saying they only targeted military aircraft and airfields used to launch attacks on Ukraine. He warned that similar operations would continue as long as Russia persisted with missile strikes and drone assaults on Ukrainian civilians.
Elsewhere across Russia, over 160 Ukrainian drones were reportedly intercepted in regions including Kursk, Belgorod, and Lipetsk. However, several drones successfully struck military targets and infrastructure. Damage was reported at the Borisoglebsk airfield and an aviation repair plant. Fires, broken windows, and damaged homes were also confirmed in various oblasts, with no civilian casualties officially reported.
This unprecedented Ukrainian drone offensive marks a turning point in the conflict, as Ukraine continues to innovate in asymmetrical warfare to counter the Russian dictator’s sustained aggression.
