Title: Ukrainian Security Services Release Exclusive Footage of Drone Attack on Russia’s Crimean Bridge
Date: [Insert date]
Location: Dnipro, Ukraine
CNN – Ukrainian security services have released exclusive footage to CNN, revealing the moment in July when they deployed an experimental sea drone to attack Russia’s bridge to annexed Crimea. The release of this footage provides new insights into the attack and comes with a warning that more such assaults will follow.
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 significant 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 this vital crossing, demonstrating the challenges of defending the only independent Russian link to the peninsula.
The Crimean bridge, which was inaugurated by Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2018, is symbolic of Russia’s desire to annex Ukraine and secure a permanent connection between the two countries. It also serves as a critical supply route for Russia’s military operations in Crimea.
The head of the SBU, Vasyl Maliuk, revealed that the drone used in the attack, named the “Sea Baby,” was the result of months of development conducted by the Ukrainian security services. Maliuk emphasized that this technology is exclusive to the SBU and not developed by any private companies. He also disclosed that the Sea Baby had successfully hit not only the Crimean bridge but also a Russian assault ship and an oil tanker, further underscoring the extent of Ukraine’s capabilities.
CNN was provided with video footage of the July attack, showing 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. Additionally, two CCTV videos were supplied to CNN, illustrating the moment of impact when one drone struck the road section of the bridge, followed by another drone blast hitting the railway section from the opposite direction about five minutes later.
Ukraine has previously been discreet about its involvement in these attacks, often confirming its role through anonymous statements or vague references to “unidentified floating objects.” However, Maliuk’s direct claim of responsibility represents an unusually direct message to Moscow about the threat posed by these new drones.
Maliuk stated, “We are working on a number of new interesting operations, including in the Black Sea waters. I promise you, it’ll be exciting, especially for our enemies.” He also took responsibility for the first attack on the bridge, which occurred on October 8 but did not provide further details. The circumstances surrounding that attack, which CCTV footage indicated was caused by a blast from a moving truck, remain unclear.
Maliuk expressed that the July drone attack was the result of meticulous planning and coordination. He acknowledged that Ukraine’s western partners have shown an interest in their operations and a desire to learn from their experience. However, he clarified that they do not participate in Ukraine’s operations or provide any equipment. The production of these drones is conducted at an underground facility within Ukraine’s territory.
With the attacks on the Russian assault ship and oil tanker, Ukraine has showcased its extended reach in the eastern part of the Black Sea. This development challenges Moscow’s perception that this area is beyond the reach of the Ukrainian military.
As tensions escalate between Ukraine and Russia, the release of this exclusive footage and the SBU’s open warning reinforce Ukraine’s determination to defend its interests and assert its military capabilities.