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Last month, Ukraine launched a second attack on the strategically important Kerch Strait Bridge, causing damage to its crucial railway. This contradicts Russian claims that only the roadway on the structure was affected. Satellite photos obtained by Newsweek show evidence of this damage. The images, provided by Molfar, a global open-source intelligence community, are dated July 17 and 23.

The Kerch Strait Bridge serves as a vital supply route for Russia’s forces and is the only land link between Russia and Crimea, which was illegally annexed by Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2014. The 19-kilometer bridge consists of a four-lane roadway and a railway with two tracks, and it plays a key role in sustaining Moscow’s military operations in southern Ukraine.

Ukraine has claimed responsibility for both strikes on the Kerch Bridge. The first explosion occurred near the vehicular section, followed by a second explosion under the bridge’s railway structure. Maritime drones were believed to be the cause of these explosions, according to Russian media reports.

The initial explosion destroyed a part of the bridge’s structure, while another section shifted by a meter. The roadway was covered in cracks, causing significant damage to the entire structure and its supporting elements. Satellite images from July 23 reveal visible damage to the railway section of the Crimean bridge, with signs of repair work being carried out.

The damaged railway section poses a hindrance to the movement of freight trains, impacting Russia’s ability to transport heavy equipment swiftly to Crimea. This could have serious strategic implications for the Russian military presence in the region. The attacks occurred during Ukraine’s ongoing counteroffensive to reclaim its occupied territories, which began more than a month ago. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has vowed to reverse Russia’s annexation of Crimea.

The terrorist threat level in parts of Crimea has been elevated since April 2022, as Russian forces reinforce the peninsula amidst fears of a potential Ukrainian advance.

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