Ukraine Prepares Third Strike on the Crimean Bridge, Navy Commander Says

Ukraine is actively discussing a third operation targeting the Crimean Bridge, according to Vice Admiral Oleksiy Neizhpapa, Commander of the Ukrainian Navy.

In an interview with The Guardian, Neizhpapa suggested that a new strike could achieve the full destruction of the bridge, following two previous attacks that caused significant structural damage.

“The Russians understand that we are actively discussing the third operation. There is a saying: 'Good things come in threes, '” Neizhpapa stated.

The previous strikes, carried out in October 2022 and July 2023, disrupted both the road and railway sections of the bridge. According to Neizhpapa, these attacks have already limited the ability of Russian forces to transport heavy military cargo via rail.

Previous attacks on the Crimean Bridge

• First attack (October 8, 2022): An explosion on the roadway caused the collapse of two spans, igniting a fire on a passing fuel train. Russian authorities estimated the damage at over 7 billion rubles, and repairs took approximately eight months.

• Second attack (July 17, 2023): Two unmanned surface drones targeted the bridge, destroying another section of the road. The attack further restricted Russian logistical operations.

Following these incidents, Vasyl Maliuk, head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), confirmed that he personally planned and oversaw the operations.

He revealed that the first attack involved a truck carrying 21 tons of hexogen, concealed within plastic film rolls to bypass Russian security scans. The second operation employed Sea Baby maritime drones, each carrying 850 kg of explosives and designed to evade radar detection.

The 19-kilometer Crimean Bridge, constructed by a company linked to Russian businessman Arkady Rotenberg, has played a critical role in Russia’s military logistics. It facilitated troop and equipment movements ahead of the 2022 invasion and remains a key supply route for Russian forces in occupied southern Ukraine.

Ukrainian officials have repeatedly stated that the bridge is a legitimate military target. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has emphasized its strategic significance, while security officials have indicated that complete destruction remains an objective.