Satellite images capture Russia’s scramble to shield a key bridge from Ukraine’s exploding naval drones and other threats

The bridge was previously hit by a truck bomb. Russia has claimed Ukraine targeted the bridge with US-provided ballistic missiles but said the attack was unsuccessful. Kyiv has also armed its naval drones with missiles and rockets, extending the threat beyond the water’s surface, creating further challenges.

Moscow began construction on the Kerch Bridge after it illegally annexed Crimea in 2014. The bridge is a prized accomplishment of Russian President Vladimir Putin and is a symbol of the Kremlin’s desire to maintain its occupation of Crimea forever.

Ukraine previously vowed to destroy the bridge because of its role as a key supply and logistics route to support Russian military activities in Crimea after the 2022 invasion, and Kyiv has shown its desire through its multiple attacks on the site.

However, taking out the bridge now would be less militarily effective and more symbolic because Russia relies on it less frequently to support its troops in Crimea than it did earlier in the war.

A Ukrainian Navy spokesperson said in June that most of the cargo is transported by ferry. Kyiv has also targeted these operations.