Ukrain destroys second bridge in Russia's Kursk
- 19 August, 11:20
As Ukraine continues its incursion into Russia’s western Kursk region, Kyiv has announced that it has destroyed a second bridge in the region. The Ukrainian military on Sunday published video footage of a strategic bridge being destroyed over the Seym River in Zvannoe.
"Minus one more bridge. Ukrainian Air Force aviation continues to deprive the enemy of logistical capabilities with precision airstrikes, which significantly affects the course of hostilities,” Ukrainian Air Force commander Lt Gen Mykola Oleschuk posted on social media with footage of the strike.
Earlier this week, Ukraine demolished another bridge over the Seym River near Glushkovo, a key route used by the Kremlin to supply its troops. Military experts had previously identified three strategic bridges in the region critical for Russian logistics, with reports indicating that two have been either destroyed or severely damaged, according to Reuters.
Nearly two weeks after Ukrainian forces crossed into Russia, it’s evident that they intend to maintain their presence. President Zelensky announced on Saturday that his troops were fortifying their positions in the Kursk region and continuing to advance deeper into Russia.
In his Sunday evening address, Zelensky stated, "Our operation in the Kursk region continues to impose significant losses on the Russian military, state, defense industry, and economy." He emphasized that this effort is "more than just defense for Ukraine" and aims to "diminish as much of Russia's war capability as possible while maximizing counteroffensive actions."
This strategy includes the goal of "creating a buffer zone on the aggressor's territory" to prevent further Russian attacks on Ukraine. Mykhaylo Podolyak, an advisor to President Zelensky, clarified that Ukraine has no intention of occupying Russia but seeks to pressure Moscow into negotiations. In response, Moscow has labeled the incursion as a significant provocation and has promised a "suitable response."
