The Kerch Bridge (Crimea Bridge), which Russia built illegally after its invasion of Crimea and which is of critical importance for military shipments to Ukraine’s southern front, has significantly strengthened its defenses following Ukraine’s successful attacks. Petro Andryushchenko, head of the Center for Occupation Studies, stated in a social media post that Russia has noticeably strengthened the bridge’s defenses.
New Three-Tiered Structure for Bridge Defense
According to information based on Ukrainian intelligence sources, fundamental changes have been made to the Kerch Bridge’s defense system. Russia has established a new fortification system covering the entire bridge to counter attacks from both underwater and above water. This new defense structure consists of three layers: Buoys (or Barge-like Structures), the first line of defense deployed around the bridge; and two layers of protective barriers, the second and third layers, which form a stronger and more visible physical barrier.
Andryushchenko noted that these reinforced barriers appear visually stronger than the previous defensive barriers, which were damaged during the fall storms of November 2024. Experts emphasize that Russia’s significant buildup of defenses indicates a rising level of concern within the Kremlin and that it is taking the risk of a strategic loss of the bridge seriously.
Bridge Successfully Targeted for the Third Time
The primary factor behind the increased protection of the bridge was Ukraine’s successful operations. On June 3, 2025, the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) carried out a third special operation against the Kerch Bridge. As a result of this operation, the bridge’s critical piers sustained significant damage.
In a statement released by the SBU, it was reported that the underwater sections of the bridge piers were severely blown up and damaged during the operation.
SBU Director General Vasyl Malyuk, noting that he personally led the operation, defended the targeting of the Kerch Bridge as entirely legitimate with the following words:
“This bridge is being used to provide logistical support to the Russian military. Therefore, targeting this structure is entirely legitimate. Crimea is Ukraine, and any form of occupation will be met with a firm response from us.”
Previous Attacks on the Kerch Bridge
This strategic structure, built by Russia following its illegal occupation of Crimea, is among Ukraine’s military targets. Prior to the third attack, the bridge had already been successfully targeted twice by Ukraine:
- First Attack: October 2022
- Second Attack: July 17, 2023
Despite the new three-tiered defense system, Ukraine is expected to continue its efforts to disable this strategic logistics corridor.
