Ukraine Recap: Russia Vows Retaliation as Kerch Bridge Targeted

Russia’s defense ministry vowed to retaliate after its air defenses shot down three missiles aimed at the Kerch Bridge that connects the Crimean peninsula to the Russian mainland. Ukraine hasn’t commented on the incident and the extent of any damage is unclear. The lengthy span was closed to traffic for a few hours, with multiple explosions reported in the area and images of billowing smoke shown on social media. Long lines of cars were backed up on either side of the bridge. Local officials urged Russians in the area, including tourists, to stay calm.

Russia earlier said Crimea, annexed by Moscow in 2014, was targeted by 20 drones overnight, with 14 taken down by air defense systems and another six “suppressed” by electronic means. No casualties or damage were reported. Separately, Russia attacked Ukraine’s south with five Shahed drones, with three downed in the Zaporizhzhia region, Kyiv officials said.