Russia's Kerch Bridge to Crimea was left in a 'state of disrepair' on Tuesday after Ukraine's SBU security service hit the link to the annexed peninsula with underwater explosives.

The SBU said in a statement on the Telegram app that it had used 1100 kilograms of explosives which were detonated early in the morning, damaging underwater pillars of the 12-mile-long bridge, a key supply route for Russian forces in Ukraine. 

Footage online shows smoke billowing over bridge following the blast.

Head of the SBU, Lieutenant General Vasyl Malyuk, said: 'We previously hit the Crimean Bridge twice in 2022 and 2023. 

'So today we continued this tradition underwater. No illegal Russian facilities have a place on the territory of our state. 

'Therefore, the Crimean Bridge is a completely legitimate target, especially considering that the enemy used it as a logistical artery to supply its troops.