Another Kerch Bridge Assault

Why Does Ukraine Keep Attacking this Russian-Built Bridge?

Kerch Bridge (Image: MilitaryLandNet)

Over the weekend, another attack was conducted by the Ukrainian Armed Forces against the Russian-built Kerch Bridge that connects occupied Crimea with Russia. This is just the latest in a series of attacks on the bridge during this war.

The first attack occurred on 8 October 2022. An explosion occurred on the roadway that connected Russia to occupied Crimea. The explosion, likely caused by a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device, resulted in parts of the road bridge to collapse. It also ignited a large fire on the railway section of the bridge. Repairs to the road section of the bridge took until late February 2023. The railway part of the bridge did not fully reopen until May 2023.  

A subsequent attack against the newly repaired bridge was conducted on 17 July 2023. While the method of attack has not been conclusively proven, there were indications that one or more of Ukraine’s evolving fleet of uncrewed semi-submersible maritime craft was responsible. An explosion occurred close to the road bridge, causing a section of roadway to collapse. Ukraine claimed the attack.

And now, in the past 24 hours, the bridge was the target of yet another attack, presumably by the Ukrainians. Why do the Ukrainians keep attacking the bridge?