Kyiv, Ukraine⁣ – In 2024, Ukrainian forces struck the Crimean Bridge using U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles‍ as part of a joint special operation with the United‍ States and the United Kingdom, The New York Times reports. Details of the previously undisclosed attack, aimed at disrupting⁢ a key ‍Russian supply route to the occupied peninsula, have recently emerged.

According to The New York⁤ Times,the strike on the Kerch⁣ Strait Bridge was part of a covert operation dubbed “Lunar Hail,” conceived in 2024 by the U.S., Ukraine, and the U.K. The operation‍ was‍ reportedly a response to Kyiv’s demands for a return to its 1991 borders and intended to compel Russia to reduce its military presence in Crimea.

The plan involved targeting approximately 100 key Russian military infrastructure sites on the peninsula. The Crimean Bridge, a vital logistical link between‍ Russia and Crimea, was identified as the⁢ primary objective.

According to The New York Times, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy personally advocated for the bridge’s⁢ destruction, viewing it as a symbolically and strategically significant move.

Western Support Behind the Scenes

While attacks on the Crimean Bridge were⁣ previously considered a ⁣”red line” by the U.S., the White House ultimately approved ⁢the operation. American and british military personnel,‍ along with the CIA, ⁣secretly collaborated with Ukrainian counterparts on the strike plan, which included the use of both missiles⁢ and sea drones.

The initial⁤ strategy involved a combined assault: ATACMS missiles ⁤targeting vulnerable sections of the bridge, with drones detonating near the supports. However, Russia had fortified its defenses, leading Ukraine to rely solely on missiles. Despite concerns from ‍NATO’s European Commander Christopher Cavoli and Lieutenant General Antonio Aguto, who believed ATACMS missiles alone would be insufficient to destroy the bridge, the Ukrainian side proceeded with the attack.

August Attack Confirmed

The New York Times reports that the ⁣ATACMS strike on the bridge occured in mid-August 2024.This likely refers to the events of August 16, when the⁢ Russian Ministry of Defence claimed to have intercepted 12 missiles, without acknowledging⁢ any damage.

U.S. officials have now confirmed that the strike did inflict damage,causing several potholes on the roadway that were subsequently repaired. Despite the limited damage, the operation is⁣ considered a significant demonstration, marking the second time during the conflict that the perceived inviolability of an ‍object symbolizing Russia’s control ⁣over Crimea has been breached.

Political and Military Implications

Although⁣ the bridge remained standing, the attack sent a ⁤strong political and psychological message. The operation demonstrated⁢ that even⁣ Russia’s most strategically important assets are vulnerable to precision weapons and that kyiv is prepared to take risks, despite reservations from its allies.