In August 2024, a significant attack targeted the Crimean Bridge, a strategic link between Russia and the annexed Crimean Peninsula. The operation involved the use of Western-supplied Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) aimed at weakening the bridge’s deck, followed by maritime drones intended to damage its supporting structures.
According to a New York Times investigation, the United Kingdom collaborated with Ukraine to develop a comprehensive plan to “bring the bridge down,” with involvement from the United States and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). The UK reportedly had a notable presence in Ukraine, deploying small teams of officers shortly after the conflict escalated in 2022.
However, as the maritime drones were being prepared, Russian forces reportedly enhanced their defenses around the bridge’s supports, complicating the execution of the attack. On the night of August 16, Russian air defense systems successfully intercepted a volley of ATACMS missiles aimed at the bridge.
