Ukraine has demolished a strategically vital bridge over the Seym River during its ongoing incursion into Russia’s Kursk region. Russian officials reported that the operation near Glushkovo has disrupted the local district.
The bridge, crucial for supplying Kremlin forces, could impact their operations. President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukrainian forces are fortifying their positions in Kursk and referred to the captured areas as potential bargaining chips for Ukrainian regions under Moscow’s control.
Read more: Ukraine’s Incursion into Russia Establishes a Strategic Buffer
In its second week, Ukraine’s incursion into Russia has reached its deepest point since Moscow’s full-scale invasion began over two years ago. The surprise operation has driven more than 120,000 people to flee for safety. Despite claims of territorial gains, Kyiv asserts it does not seek to occupy Russian land.
Senior aide to President Zelensky, Mykhailo Podolyak, stated that the primary goal of the incursion is to force Russia into negotiations “on our own terms.” Podolyak emphasized that the offensive in the Kursk region aims to compel Moscow to engage in fair negotiations, showcasing Ukraine’s effective pressure tactics.
Ukrainian military chief Oleksandr Syrsky reported further progress, with troops advancing 1 to 3 kilometers in some areas and targeting the village of Mala Loknya. He also expressed hopes of capturing many prisoners from the ongoing battle.
As Ukraine advances, Russian officials in Belgorod, near the Ukrainian border, plan to evacuate five villages starting August 19. Meanwhile, Russian forces have captured Serhiivka, edging closer to the strategic city of Pokrovsk, which is crucial for Ukrainian supply routes. The situation remains tense, with recent Ukrainian shelling in Donetsk injuring several civilians and prompting evacuation warnings.
Russian-installed officials in the Moscow-controlled part of Ukraine’s Donetsk region have accused Kyiv of a strike on a shopping center that injured at least seven people. Denis Pushilin, the Russia-backed governor of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic, reported that the city has been shelled since midday on Friday. According to News, the recent shelling resulted in the deaths of three civilians and injuries to five others.
In Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014, the defense ministry reported that missiles aimed at a bridge constructed under President Vladimir Putin’s orders were intercepted overnight. Kyiv has previously targeted the Kerch Bridge multiple times since Moscow’s military campaign began.
