Russian Forces Close Crimean Bridge Overnight

Traffic on the Crimean Bridge was abruptly halted overnight on 18 April, according to Russian-controlled sources. The announcement came through the Telegram channel “Crimean Bridge: operational information”, which stated that the bridge was temporarily closed. People on the bridge at the time were instructed to remain calm and obey the orders of transport security personnel.

The sudden suspension of traffic raised immediate concerns among observers and residents, particularly due to the strategic significance of the bridge. The Kerch Strait crossing connects the Russian mainland to occupied Crimea and has been a repeated focus of Ukrainian military operations.

The closure follows earlier hints by Ukrainian naval commander Vice Admiral Oleksiy Neizhpapa, who suggested that further action against the bridge could be coming. He referenced the phrase “God loves a trinity”, possibly hinting at a third major Ukrainian strike. Neizhpapa had also praised the continuing success of Ukraine’s efforts to secure the grain corridor in the Black Sea, which remains vital to the country’s economy and global food exports.

One of the most notable prior attacks on the bridge occurred during the summer of 2024. At that time, Ukrainian forces used ATACMS missiles to target the structure, despite opposition from the United States government. According to The New York Times report published on 31 March 2025, American officials had urged Ukraine to refrain from striking the bridge, fearing it could escalate tensions further with Moscow. Nonetheless, Ukraine proceeded, underscoring its insistence on disrupting Russian military supply routes.

The bridge closure reignites speculation over renewed Ukrainian military activities, particularly with growing signs of preparation for another operation. No official statement has been made by the Ukrainian government at the time of writing, and no specific reason has been publicly given by the Russian side for the suspension of traffic.

The Crimean Bridge, also known as the Kerch Bridge, has served as a crucial supply line for the Russian military, enabling movement of troops, equipment and logistics between occupied Crimea and Russia. It has also been a potent symbol of Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014.

Despite the temporary closure, no reports of damage or casualties have emerged. However, the move has intensified tensions in the region, fuelling concern over a possible escalation or Ukrainian precision strike.

The estimated cost of the original construction of the Crimean Bridge was around 228 billion rubles (approximately £1.94 billion at current exchange rates).