Putin blames Ukraine secret services for Crimea bridge blast

 Russian President Vladimir Putin denounced the bridge blast as a 'terrorist act'.

The bridge between the Russian mainland and the Crimean peninsula was severely damaged on Saturday after a truck bomb exploded, killing three, according to Russian sources.

"The authors, perpetrators and sponsors are the Ukrainian secret services," Putin said during a meeting with the head of the investigation committee, according to a video shared by the Kremlin.

"There is no doubt this is a terrorist act aimed at destroying critical Russian civilian infrastructure," Putin added.

Ukraine has not claimed responsibility for the explosion.

The bridge is logistically crucial for Moscow -- a vital transport link for carrying military equipment to Russian soldiers fighting in Ukraine.

It is also hugely symbolic. Putin personally inaugurated the structure in 2018 -- even driving a truck across it -- and Moscow had maintained the link was safe despite the fighting.