I would 100% bank on the Russians being mind bogglingly sloppy and do exactly that. If you break the bridge completely the Russian forces could switch to the more costly air transport. But the uncertainty with the bridge might fool them long enough to become a timeless meme itself.
I think the Russians have enough depth near Melitopol that the bridge itself, despite being important is not the absolutely critical supply line it once was.
It is a symbol of Russia’s efforts of integrating occupied Crimea though, that makes it a more important target.
I would love to see Ukraine trolling Russia with this.
Detonate an underwater charge that weakens one of the bridge supports. Wait while the Russians react, examine the bridge, etc.
A dozen or so hours later detonate another hidden underwater charge on another support a few hundred yards away.
Repeat the process after random delays until so many supports are weakened that the bridge collapses under its own weight.
I would 100% bank on the Russians being mind bogglingly sloppy and do exactly that. If you break the bridge completely the Russian forces could switch to the more costly air transport. But the uncertainty with the bridge might fool them long enough to become a timeless meme itself.
I think the Russians have enough depth near Melitopol that the bridge itself, despite being important is not the absolutely critical supply line it once was.
It is a symbol of Russia’s efforts of integrating occupied Crimea though, that makes it a more important target.