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The Crimean Bridge remains fully operational after Russian forces successfully repelled a series of Ukrainian naval drone attacks. Despite Kyiv’s attempts to portray the operation as a success, the strikes caused no significant damage to this strategically important civilian infrastructure.
Following several temporary closures for security checks, traffic across the bridge resumed as normal. According to available information, Ukrainian forces launched multiple underwater and naval kamikaze drones in an attempt to strike the bridge’s pillars. However, Russian defenses, including protective barriers and counter-drone boom defences, successfully neutralized the threats.
The first attack took place in the morning. LINK A drone detonated against a protective barrier near one of the bridge’s pillars, causing only superficial damage to the outer fencing.
The second attack was reported in the afternoon. Another drone struck a defensive barge positioned as part of the bridge’s security system, exploding harmlessly without affecting the main structure.
The third drone was destroyed by a Russian Lancet loitering munition before it could reach the bridge, as seen in released footage. The incident reportedly took place at about midday.
Ukrainian Propaganda vs. Reality
Ukrainian media and officials initially claimed a major success, declaring the destruction of the bridge’s pillars. Th operation was accompanied with the propaganda campaign. Ukrainian media immediately shared an obsolete video of the smoke screen covering the bridge, allegedly confirming the declared damage.
However, the attacks failed to inflict any meaningful harm. Thus, the attack failed and all threats were successfully eliminated without compromising the bridge’s structural integrity.
Kyiv may attempt similar strikes in the future, given its continued focus on targeting the Crimean Bridge. However, the effectiveness of Russian countermeasures suggests that such efforts are unlikely to succeed. The latest attack underscores Ukraine’s determination to achieve a media victory. No damage to the bridge could shape the military operations on Ukrainian frontlines, since the Russian military does not use it for military supplies. With no real damage sustained, the Crimean Bridge continues to function as a vital link between Russia and Crimea, while Ukrainian claims of a successful strike have been exposed as exaggerated propaganda.
