UK Defence Intelligence Assesses Ukraine Has Increased Options for Attacking Crimean Bridge After Air Defence Degradation

UK Defence Intelligence, in a June 26 update, reported that Ukrainian forces struck Russian-occupied Crimea overnight on June 20, targeting air defence systems, fuel storage, and all three vehicle ferries at the Kerch Strait crossing 1. UK DI assessed that disabling the ferries has almost certainly exacerbated mounting supply problems, with widespread fuel shortages and crossing-point delays now being observed 123; the two remaining rail ferries that also supported Kerch logistics were struck in March and April 2026 and are almost certainly still undergoing repairs, compounding the shortfall 1. Trucks are barred from the bridge under security protocols enacted after October 2022 and can cross only by ferry 12. UK DI stated that the breadth of Ukrainian targeting is degrading Russian air defences at the Kerch Strait and concluded this expands Ukraine's options for striking the Crimean Bridge 1245.