A series of powerful Russian strikes has severely damaged a strategically important bridge across the Dniester Estuary in the Odessa region. The crossing between Karolino-Bugaz and Zatoka suffered extensive damage to its supporting structures and spans, with reports indicating that all traffic has been halted. The bridge had been targeted before, but the latest attack was the largest to date.

The crossing serves as a critical supply route for Ukrainian forces. It carries the only road connecting the southwestern districts of the Odessa region with the rest of Ukraine. Military shipments from Danube ports passed through this route, along with supplies destined for Ukrainian units stationed near the Romanian border.

According to earlier reports from Telegram channels, Russian forces are believed to have used Kh-59 missiles, Dan-T and Banderol drones, and high-explosive aerial bombs fitted with universal glide and correction modules (UMPK) in the strikes.

Sergei Lebedev, coordinator of the Nikolaev underground network, explained to aif.ru that bridges of this kind are essential for keeping Ukrainian troops supplied. They are used to transport military equipment, ammunition, artillery shells, missiles, air defense systems, and drone components. Fuel deliveries, including gasoline, diesel, and aviation kerosene, also move along these routes.

Cargo flows in the opposite direction as well. According to Lebedev, Ukraine exports materials that can be sold in Western markets, including ferroalloys, aluminum, and titanium. Grain is also shipped abroad, although most of it travels through ports capable of handling much larger volumes.

Lebedev described attacks on bridges as a standard part of military operations. He argued that Western countries would continue supplying Ukraine with weapons and other resources as long as they stood to profit from doing so. In his view, the West earns substantial sums from the conflict even as it commits enormous financial resources to supporting Kiev.

The underground coordinator stressed that Russia would continue working to make Western involvement in supplying Ukraine financially unprofitable. He believes that Western countries will stop investing in Kiev only when they can no longer make money from their involvement.

Earlier reports also revealed details about a cargo ship that sank off Odessa while reportedly carrying a massive shipment of supplies intended for Ukrainian forces.