Ukraine launched an audacious new bid overnight to blow up Russia's major £3 million bridge linking to Moscow-annexed Crimea - forcing temporary closure of the pathway for a third time in less than a year.

Three semi-submersible kamikaze marine drones were deployed in Ukraine's latest strike on the bridge, Moscow said, claiming that the missiles were intercepted and destroyed en route to the crossing.

One drone was destroyed late on Friday and two others early on Saturday, according to Russia's Defence Ministry. There was no immediate comment from Ukrainian officials.

The Kerch bridge, a key supply route for Kremlin forces in the war with Ukraine, has come under repeated attack since Russia invaded Ukraine.