Drone strike damages key bridge on Rostov route to Crimea

A drone attack in Russia's Rostov region damaged a bridge over the Mius River on the R-280 highway, a key route to occupied Crimea. Local authorities reported damage to the road surface and two cranes, with traffic restricted. The bridge is located at the 97th kilometer of the R-280 highway, which connects Rostov-on-Don with occupied Mariupol, Melitopol, and Crimea. Governor Yuri Slyusar stated that drone debris partially destroyed the road surface, though no casualties were reported. The R-280 has served since spring 2025 as a primary supply route for Russian forces in the Azov region and Crimea, offering an alternative to the Kerch Bridge. Russia began a major four-lane renovation of the Mius bridge in 2025.