The operation lasted several months. This was reported by the Security Service of Ukraine (the SBU) on June 3.
"SBU agents mined the supports of this illegal structure. And today, without any civilian casualties, at 4:44 AM, the first explosive device was detonated", - the statement reads.
The SBU added that the underwater support pillars were severely damaged at the base – 1100 kg of explosives in TNT equivalent made that happen. The bridge is effectively in a critical state.
The head of the Security Service of Ukraine, Lieutenant General Vasyl Maliuk, personally oversaw the operation and coordinated its planning.
"God loves a trinity, and the SBU always finishes what it starts and never repeats itself. We previously struck the Crimean Bridge twice – in 2022 and 2023. So today we continued the tradition, only underwater. No illegal russian structures have any place on the territory of our state. That makes the Crimean Bridge an absolutely legitimate target, especially considering the enemy used it as a logistical artery to supply its troops. Crimea is Ukraine, and any manifestations of occupation will receive our harsh response", - noted Vasyl Maliuk.
Meanwhile, around 9 AM, the russian authorities announced that "vehicular traffic on the Crimean Bridge has resumed".