Low-quality video showing significant damage to the Kerch Strat Bridge. Explosions occurred around 0320 local time, possibly caused by naval drones. One span fell into the sea and surrounding structures were also damaged. Rail traffic has been suspended, as has vehicular traffic on the bridge and by ferry.

The Kerch Strait Bridge, also known as the Kerch Bridge or Crimea Bridge, is the longest bridge in Europe at 19km (12mi) long. It was constructed by the Russian Federation after the illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014, Connecting Crimea with Krasnodar Krai in Russia. The bridge was a critical element in integrating Crimea into the Russian Federation, increasing its dependence on Russia and reducing Crimea’s dependence on Ukraine.

The Kerch Bridge is an important logistical artery for Russians in Crimea and a significant political symbol for the Russian government in general, and for Putin in particular. This attack occurs just as the Black Sea Grain deal expires. Russia and Ukraine are two of the largest grain producers in the world, and the deal was brokered by Turkey and the UN guaranteed that shipments of Ukrainian grain could leave Odessa for export worldwide. Recently the Kremlin has signaled that it would not renew the deal, which could cause global grain prices to spike and grain shortages in developing countries.

About the Author

Cam

Cam served as an infantry officer in the Marine Corps, deploying to the Horn of Africa and participating in combat operations in Iraq. He currently works in the maritime industry and in the defense sector as an instructor of combined arms planning and operations. An avid sailor, Cam founded and directs a nonprofit that supports veterans and first responders through sailing.