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- Ukraine claims new underwater bomb attack on Russia’s Crimean Bridge (abcnews.go.com)
Kyiv Claims Responsibility for Kerch Bridge Attack, as Russia Continues Aerial Onslaught
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) announced Tuesday it had carried out an attack on the Kerch Strait Bridge, just two days after drone strikes targeted a Russian bomber fleet. The bridge, a key supply route, connects occupied Crimea to Russia’s Krasnodar Krai region.
The SBU released a statement, video, and photo on Telegram detailing the operation, which they described as lasting several months. The SBU claims to have mined the bridge supports and detonated the first explosive device at 4:44 a.m., causing significant damage to the underwater supports.
SBU chief Vasyl Malyuk stated this was the third such attack on the bridge, following previous operations in 2022 and 2023. Bridge authorities confirmed a temporary closure following the explosion.
Russia has yet to issue an official response.
This attack coincides with a wave of Russian strikes across Ukraine. Overnight attacks killed at least eight and injured 50, according to local officials.
The Ukrainian air force reported intercepting 75 of 112 Russian drones launched overnight. Sumy, in the northeast, was particularly hard hit, with four fatalities and 28 injuries attributed to a cluster rocket attack.
President Zelenskyy condemned the Sumy attack as a deliberate targeting of civilians. Additional casualties were reported in Kharkiv, Kherson, Chernihiv, and Odesa.
Peace Talks Continue Amidst Escalating Violence
Despite the escalating conflict, Ukrainian and Russian representatives met in Istanbul on Monday for a second round of peace talks. Ukraine seeks a 30-day ceasefire to facilitate negotiations, the release of prisoners, and the return of Ukrainian children taken to Russia.
However, Russia’s demands include Ukrainian concessions on territorial claims, military limitations, and NATO membership, making a swift resolution unlikely. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that while talks are ongoing, no significant breakthrough was achieved.
Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, indicated Russia’s goal is not compromise, but a complete victory and the removal of Zelenskyy’s government.
President Zelenskyy emphasized the need for international pressure on Russia, stating that without it, a ceasefire is unlikely. He highlighted the daily toll of Russian attacks on Ukrainian citizens and infrastructure. Simultaneously, Ukraine continues its own long-range strikes into Russia, with Moscow reporting eight Ukrainian drones downed overnight.
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- Ukraine claims new underwater bomb attack on Russia’s Crimean Bridge (abcnews.go.com)