The Crimean Bridge, which connects occupied Crimea to Russia, has been transformed into a high-security facility following three Ukrainian attacks. Russia has restricted access to certain types of vehicles, tightened controls and deployed a multi-layered defense system to protect passage. Suspilne Crimea spoke with military expert and former Ukrainian Navy Captain First Class Andrii Ryzhenko about the developing situation around the Crimean Bridge, its importance for Russian military logistics and why Russia is strengthening security at the site.
Russia began implementing stricter security controls on the Crimean Bridge after the first attack on October 8, 2022. The explosion damaged four sections of the road bridge and part of the railway bridge. The former director of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), Vasyl Maliuk, later revealed that the operation required more than six months of preparation. A truck carrying explosives was used to carry out the attack. “Homemade explosive devices and a special hexogen-based mixture were used. The total quantity was almost 15 tons, the equivalent of almost 21 tons of TNT,” Vasyl Maliuk said.
Efforts to secure it after an attack
Military expert Andrii Ryzhenko emphasizes that the Crimean Bridge is not only of strategic, but also symbolic importance for Russia. "This bridge is of strategic importance for Russia. It is Putin's personal project. He dreamed of it long before the occupation of Crimea began. The idea probably arose after an unsuccessful attempt to build a dam near Tuzla Island in 2003," explains Andrii Ryzhenko.
According to him, the possibility of building a tunnel had first been considered. "Initially, there were plans to build a tunnel, and some equipment was even transported for this purpose. However, they decided to build a bridge instead, partly to significantly restrict maritime access to the Ukrainian ports of Berdyansk and Mariupol. That is why the bridge was built relatively quickly," explains the expert.
After the first attack, the restoration of the railway section took around a year and a half, while the road section was restored in around six months. "It is a very strong reinforced concrete structure. The explosion involved several tons of explosives. Four sections of the road bridge were destroyed and the railway section was damaged. At the time of the explosion, a train carrying fuel was crossing the bridge. It also exploded, and the resulting fire damaged the railway section," continues Andrii Ryzhenko.
After the restoration, Russia intensified traffic control on the bridge. "They have made significant efforts to address safety deficiencies. They restrict the transportation of goods by rail, while passenger trains continue to run. As for the road bridge, after its repair about six months later, they significantly strengthened safety measures and began to inspect vehicles more thoroughly," notes the expert.
After the first attack, Ukrainian intelligence began preparing for a new strike. In July 2023, they used Sea Baby naval drones for the operation, remote-controlled explosive boats developed specifically to attack the bridge.
After the second strike, Russia again strengthened the protection of the crossing. Additional barriers and anti-drone countermeasures have appeared around the bridge.
In June 2025, the Security Service of Ukraine carried out a third special operation against the Crimean Bridge, directly targeting the underwater part of the structure. According to the Security Service, the operation used 1,100 kilograms of explosives previously transported underwater and activated near the bridge supports. After the explosions, Russia deployed a multi-layered protection system in the water against underwater and surface drones.
Overflown by Ukrainian drones
The bridge is also covered by air defense and electronic warfare systems. At the same time, Russia limits the use of the bridge for the transport of goods. "They even imposed weight restrictions on trucks crossing the bridge. They automatically prevent vehicles carrying loads above a certain weight from accessing the bridge, because even one ton of explosives could cause significant damage," he explains.
The day before [Thursday October 8], the anniversary of the first attack on the Crimean bridge, Russia is intensifying reconnaissance in the Black Sea, according to Andrii Ryzhenko. “It is known that the entire Black Sea Fleet has been ordered to increase patrols and surveillance. This means that they are preparing for something,” the expert notes.
This summer, Ukrainian forces struck Russian facilities in occupied Crimea, particularly energy and military infrastructure. Commander of the Unmanned Systems Forces of Ukraine Robert “Madyar” Brovdi claimed that Operation “Crimean Disabling” does not include direct strikes on the Crimean Bridge. However, Ukrainian drones deliberately flew over the bridge as a show of force.
"While you were sleeping, we tested alternative heating and lighting systems on the Crimean Bridge. It was spectacular. But it was just a training exercise. Let them get used to it gradually. We are not touching the Crimean Bridge. Let all these Russians cross it and go live in the Ural Mountains," says Brovdi.
Ukraine's position on the Crimean bridge could change following recent Russian strikes on bridges in kyiv, with Russia seeking to escalate the conflict, Ukraine's president said. "They are now hitting bridges. Do they really think we won't respond?" President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
According to Andrii Ryzhenko, potential damage to the Crimean bridge would not only have military significance, but also reputational significance for Russia. Its destruction or prolonged incapacity could therefore have much broader consequences than simply complicating logistics.
