In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, Ukraine has announced the destruction of a second strategically important bridge in Russia’s Kursk region. The Ukrainian military released aerial footage of the strike on Sunday, showing the bridge over the Seym River in Zvannoe heavily damaged. This follows a similar attack last week, targeting another bridge over the same river near the Russian town of Glushkovo.
The Ukrainian Air Force Commander, Lt Gen Mykola Oleschuk, proudly declared on social media, “Minus one more bridge!” highlighting the impact of the strike on Russian logistics. He emphasized that the air strikes are strategically aimed at “depriving the enemy of logistical capabilities, which significantly affects the course of hostilities.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy further clarified the rationale behind the incursion during his evening address. He stated that the goal of the operation in Kursk is to create a “buffer zone” to deter Russian attacks and to weaken Russian military capabilities. Zelenskyy underscored the broader objective of the operation: “This is more than just defense for Ukraine. Our aim is to destroy as much Russian war potential as possible and conduct maximum counteroffensive actions.”
Russia has condemned the incursion, calling it “provocative” and vowing a “worthy response.” However, the attacks highlight the increasingly aggressive tactics employed by Ukraine, aiming to disrupt Russian operations on multiple fronts. While Ukrainian forces push into Russian territory, Russian troops are simultaneously advancing in eastern Ukraine, claiming a string of villages in recent weeks. This intensified fighting underscores the volatile and unpredictable nature of the ongoing conflict.
