Ukraine's Security Service claimed responsibility for the explosion, saying it had used an experimental sea drone in the operation. It has come under several attacks throughout the war, with one of the most recent killing two people.

The bridge connects Crimea to Russia's mainland, carrying both road and rail traffic and is an important supply artery for Moscow's troops. 'In this way, the enemy seeks to protect the Kerch Bridge from damage.'

'The Russians intend to install barrier barriers between the sunken ferries.

'According to the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, the occupiers plan to sink at least six watercraft of the specified type in order to create a protective lane in front of the Kerch Bridge,' it said on its website. It added one ferry has already been sunk, and Russia is 'conducting preparatory work' to sink the second. Russian forces believe submerging the boats will create a 'protective lane' in front of the bridge, it said. Russia is planning to sink six ferries in the Kerch Strait to protect the Crimean Bridge from attacks, Ukraine's military intelligence has reported.

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