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According to the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU), a significant explosion underwater was aimed at a bridge connecting Russia and Crimea, causing the bridge to be declared in a “state of emergency” on Tuesday.
Shortly after Ukraine conducted an operation called “Operation Spider’s Web,” involving drone attacks that reached deep into Russian territory. The operation reportedly destroyed many of Russia’s powerful bomber planes and surveillance aircraft stationed at five military airfields.
SBU Lt. Gen. Vasily Malyuk emphasized the importance of targeting the Crimean Bridge, referring to it as an unlawful object of the Russian Federation. He stated that the bridge was used by the enemy for logistical purposes, making it a valid target. Malyuk affirmed Ukraine’s claim over Crimea and warned against any actions of occupation, promising a strong reaction to such provocations.
The SBU said it detonated around 2,500 pounds of underwater explosives along the Kerch Bridge. Footage showed a blast centered around one of the bridge pillars, followed by people surveying damage on top of the bridge.
People are seen on top of the Kerch Bridge surveying damage following the explosion on Tuesday, June 3. (APTN/Ukrainian Security Service)
Traffic across the Kerch Bridge was delayed for three hours this morning, according to The Associated Press.
The bridge reportedly reopened before it closed a second time.
The SBU said no civilians were hurt in the blast.
A view shows the Kerch Bridge linking Russia to Crimea, which was targeted in an explosion by Ukraine on Tuesday, June 3. (Reuters/Alexey Pavlishak)
“Previously, we struck the Crimean Bridge twice in 2022 and 2023. So today we continued this tradition already underwater,” Malyuk said.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also said Tuesday that Russia launched a “savage strike” on the northeastern Ukrainian city of Sumy, “directly targeting the city and its ordinary streets with rocket artillery.
“A rescue operation is currently underway. Many people have been wounded. As of now, three people have been confirmed dead,” Zelenskyy said. “My condolences go out to their families and loved ones. All emergency services are engaged to assist everyone affected.”
Firefighters extinguish cars hit by a Russian drone strike in Sumy, Ukraine, on June 3. (Reuters)
Zelenskyy added that one shell was a dud, but it “pierced the wall of an ordinary apartment room on the 9th floor” and “That alone says everything one needs to know about Russia’s so-called ‘desire’ to end this war.”
Fox News’ Jasmine Baehr contributed to this report.
