Kerch Strait, Crimea – The Crimean Bridge linking Russia and the Crimean peninsula was temporarily closed early Wednesday for about three hours from 4 a.m. to 7 a.m. local time.

Russian officials did not explain the reason for the suspension but confirmed the bridge reopened and resumed normal operation.

Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) claimed responsibility for an underwater explosion against the bridge. The SBU said it used 1,100 kilograms of explosives to damage underwater support pillars.

Video released by the SBU showed a blast next to one of the bridge’s concrete pillars. The agency said the operation was carefully planned over several months.

Reuters confirmed the video location matched satellite images of the bridge, but could not verify the timing independently.

Russian military bloggers dismissed the attack as unsuccessful and suggested a Ukrainian sea drone was involved.

The Crimean Bridge stretches 19 kilometers over the Kerch Strait and is the only direct transport link between Russia and the annexed Crimean peninsula.

The bridge was a major project for President Vladimir Putin. It includes a roadway and railway supported by concrete pillars and steel arches over the ship passage between the Black Sea and Azov Sea.

During the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, the bridge was used by Russian forces to move troops and supplies into southern and southeastern Ukraine.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download