title: Ukraine Releases Exclusive Footage of Drone Attack on Russia’s Crimean Bridge
date: [current date]
location: Dnipro, Ukraine
source: CNN
In a recent development, Ukrainian security services have released exclusive footage to CNN, revealing the moment when an experimental sea drone was used to attack Russia’s bridge to annexed Crimea in July. This release provides new details on the attack and serves as a warning for more such assaults in the future.
This marks the first time that the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has openly claimed responsibility for the operation. The attack, which occurred on July 17, caused damage to the road lanes of the bridge and resulted in the death of two civilians, according to Russian officials. It was the second attack on the vital crossing, showcasing the difficulties in defending the only independent Russian link to the peninsula.
The bridge, known as the Crimean Bridge or the Kerch Bridge, was inaugurated by Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2018 and holds symbolic importance for his desire to incorporate Ukraine into Russia permanently. Additionally, the bridge serves as a crucial supply link for Russia’s military operations in Crimea.
The SBU’s head, Vasyl Maliuk, told CNN that the drone used in the attack, called a “Sea Baby,” was the result of months of development that began after the invasion. Maliuk described the sea surface drones as a unique invention of the Security Service of Ukraine, emphasizing that no private companies were involved. He also mentioned that these drones were responsible for successful hits on the Crimean bridge, the assault ship Olengorskiy Gornyak, and the SIG oil tanker in the Black Sea.
CNN was provided with video footage of the July attack, which displayed the pilot’s screen moments before the Sea Baby delivered up to 850 kilograms of explosives to one of the bridge’s concrete support pillars. The SBU also supplied two CCTV videos that captured the moment of impact as one drone struck the road section of the bridge, followed by another drone blast hitting the railway section from the opposing direction.
Ukraine has been cautious in acknowledging its involvement in the attacks, often confirming through anonymous statements and vague references to “unidentified floating objects.” However, Maliuk’s direct claim of responsibility in this instance signifies a bold attempt to warn Moscow of the threat posed by these new drones.
Maliuk revealed that Ukraine is currently working on various new operations, including those in the Black Sea waters. He promised that these upcoming operations would be exciting, especially for their enemies. Maliuk also claimed responsibility for the first Ukrainian attack on the bridge, which occurred on October 8, but declined to provide further details about the incident.
He disclosed that the July drone attack was the result of months of rigorous preparation, during which the team’s focus was solely on the operation. Maliuk expressed the team’s elation upon the explosion, describing it as a very emotional moment and a victory that would undoubtedly come soon.
Although Ukraine’s western partners have expressed interest in their operations and a desire to learn from their experience, Maliuk clarified that they do not directly participate or provide any equipment for their operations. The drones used in these attacks are produced at an underground facility within Ukrainian territory. Maliuk reaffirmed that the targets they have mentioned are legitimate targets in accordance with Ukrainian and international laws.
The attack on the Gornyak vessel and the SIG tanker demonstrates an expanded threat to Russia’s naval operations in the eastern part of the Black Sea, which Moscow had previously considered beyond the reach of the Ukrainian military.
The release of this exclusive footage serves as a significant development in Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia and highlights their innovative use of technology to assert themselves in this region. As tensions continue to escalate, it remains to be seen how Russia will respond to these attacks and what impact they will have on the ongoing conflict between the two nations.