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Ukraine Expands Window to Strike Crimean Bridge as Russian Air Defenses Weaken, UK Intelligence Says
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
Ukrainian strikes on Russian military infrastructure in temporarily occupied Crimea are weakening air defenses around the Kerch Strait and creating more opportunities to target the Crimean Bridge, according to the UK Ministry of Defence's latest intelligence update published on June 26.
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The assessment follows a series of Ukrainian attacks on June 20 that targeted Russian air defense systems, fuel storage facilities, and ferry infrastructure supporting military logistics between Russia and temporarily occupied Crimea.
According to the UK Ministry of Defence, disabling three vehicle ferries has further strained Russian supply routes to the peninsula at a time when the southern land corridor to Crimea remains under pressure. British intelligence said the attacks have contributed to widespread fuel shortages and delays at ferry crossings.
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The report notes that Russian security measures introduced after Ukraine’s first strike on the Crimean Bridge in October 2022 significantly restricted how the crossing can be used. Heavy trucks are no longer permitted to use the bridge and must instead rely on ferry transport, while the bridge remains open primarily to passenger vehicles, buses, and limited rail traffic.
British intelligence also recalled that Ukraine struck two railway ferries supporting Russian military logistics in March and April 2026. According to the assessment, both vessels are “almost certainly” still undergoing repairs.
The UK Ministry of Defence said Ukraine has intensified strikes against Russian military logistics networks across occupied territories by employing an expanding range of long-range weapons, including one-way attack drones and stand-off munitions.
According to the report, the broad scope of Ukrainian targets is forcing Russia to disperse its air defense assets, reducing protection even in strategically important areas such as the Kerch Strait.
“This broad range of Ukrainian targets also weakens Russian air defenses even in prioritized and well-defended locations such as the Kerch Strait. This expands Ukraine’s opportunities to strike the Crimean Bridge — a strategically significant and politically sensitive target opened by Putin,” the UK Ministry of Defence said in its assessment.
The Crimean Bridge remains one of Russia’s most important military supply routes to temporarily occupied Crimea and a key symbol of Moscow’s control over the peninsula.
Earlier, Russian-installed authorities declared a regional state of emergency across temporarily occupied Crimea and Sevastopol amid growing logistical disruptions following Ukrainian strikes. The measures came as fuel shortages, transport delays, and reductions in rail services continued to affect the peninsula.
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