Ukraine Targets Key Bridges in Russia’s Kursk Region, Disrupting Supply Lines
In a bold and unexpected move, Ukrainian forces have destroyed several key bridges in Russia’s Kursk region, significantly disrupting the logistics of Russian military operations. This development is part of a broader Ukrainian offensive that has taken Russia by surprise, shifting the dynamics of the ongoing conflict.
The Ukrainian Air Force reported on Sunday that a second bridge in the Kursk region was destroyed, claiming that it “deprives the enemy of its logistical capabilities” and “significantly affects the course of hostilities.” Lieutenant General Mykola Oleshchuk, the commander of Ukraine’s Air Force, shared a video showing what appeared to be a strike on one end of the bridge. NBC News verified the video’s location to the village of Zvannoye on the Seim River in the Kursk region.
This strike follows another bridge attack on Friday, which Oleshchuk also publicized. Acting Kursk Governor Alexei Smirnov confirmed the incident, stating that a road bridge over the Seim River in the Glushkovsky district was destroyed due to an attack from Ukraine.
The destruction of these bridges is seen as a crucial step in hindering Russian supply lines, particularly as Russian forces attempt to counter the Ukrainian advance in Kursk. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Monday that Ukrainian forces had seized over 480 square miles of Russian territory in this offensive, which began two weeks ago. The assault has caught the Kremlin off guard after months of focus on eastern Ukraine and the broader 600-mile front line.
Zelenskyy revealed that the primary goal of this operation is to create a buffer zone on Russian territory to prevent attacks on Ukrainian towns and villages across the border. This strategy marks a shift in the conflict’s focus and challenges Moscow’s earlier attempts to secure its border regions.
The surprise offensive has raised questions about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s response, especially as he embarks on a two-day state visit to Azerbaijan. The Kremlin has been pushing for peace talks while holding the battlefield initiative, but the Ukrainian offensive has disrupted these efforts. On Monday, a presidential aide ruled out negotiations, citing Kyiv’s “gamble” in Kursk.
As Ukraine continues its advance, Zelenskyy has urged Western allies for faster delivery of military supplies, emphasizing the need for timely logistics during the ongoing conflict. The United Kingdom has responded, with a spokesperson for Prime Minister Keir Starmer affirming the country’s unwavering support for Ukraine and accelerating lethal aid to Kyiv.
