Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed on Sunday that Ukraine’s military push into Kursk is intended to establish a “buffer zone” to prevent cross-border attacks from Russian forces, following the destruction of a second Russian bridge in the border region.
Ukrainian troops are making gradual advances in Kursk after launching their surprise operation nearly two weeks ago, while also facing pressure from Russian advances in the occupied east toward a crucial military hub.
Read more: Ukrainian Incursion has Resulted in the Destruction of a Crucial Russian Bridge
The Kursk offensive is designed to stretch Russia’s resources and boost Ukrainian morale following a challenging period. Zelensky emphasized the operation’s strategic aims, including weakening Russian military capabilities and creating a buffer zone within Russian territory to facilitate a fair negotiation process and hasten the end of the conflict.
President Zelensky reported that Kyiv’s foothold in Kursk is “strengthening,” with troops reinforcing their positions. Ukraine claims to control nearly 1,000 square kilometers (about 621 square miles) of Russian territory, and both sides have urged evacuations from areas of heavy fighting.
In efforts to undermine Moscow’s logistics and disrupt supply routes, Ukrainian forces announced on Sunday that they had destroyed another bridge over the Seym River in Kursk with “precision airstrikes.”
Ukrainian Air Force commander Lt. Gen. Mykola Oleshchuk highlighted the impact of these strikes on disrupting enemy logistics, sharing a video of smoke engulfing the bridge.
This attack follows the destruction of a first bridge over the Seym two days earlier. Russia’s foreign ministry claimed that the bridge was hit by Western rockets, likely US-made HIMARS.
The HIMARS system, a highly effective weapon in Ukraine’s arsenal, has been crucial in recapturing territory from Russia. Ukrainian monitoring group DeepState reported further gains in Kursk, showing a Ukrainian tank in Olgovka, about 20 kilometers (12 miles) north of Sudzha, which Kyiv’s forces captured last week and have since established a military commandant’s office.
On Sunday, Ukrainian forces released a video showing “Sivalka” flamethrower systems actively engaged in combat operations in the Kursk region.
In response to the territorial losses in Kursk, Russia has reportedly redeployed several thousand troops from the front lines in occupied Ukraine.
Residents who fled the conflict zone have been warned against returning. Marina Degtyareva, head of Kursk’s Korenevsky district, stated that the situation remains dire and that attempts to return home are interfering with military operations. She emphasized that returning to the area is currently unsafe and could lead to tragic consequences. Authorities will notify residents when it is safe to return and urged patience to allow the military to manage the situation effectively.
Russians have reached the outskirts of a crucial city
Despite Kyiv’s advances into Kursk, Russian forces are also making progress in eastern Ukraine. They have moved closer to the city of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region, a crucial military hub due to its proximity to Kostiantynivka, another key center. The road between the two cities is vital for resupplying the front lines and evacuating casualties.
Serhii Dobriak, head of the Pokrovsk city military administration, reported that Russian forces are now within 11 kilometers (7 miles) of the city, prompting preparations and fortification efforts. He noted that every town in the Donetsk region has assigned combat units and defense plans are in place.
President Zelensky stated that Ukrainian forces are working hard to maintain their positions amid numerous attacks in Donetsk. The evacuation of civilians from Pokrovsk has been expedited due to the advancing Russian troops, with nearly 1,800 people evacuated over the past week, compared to 450-500 per month previously.
Dobriak emphasized the urgency of evacuating due to the destruction and civilian casualties caused by Russian missile and aerial attacks.
On Sunday, Ukraine’s Vice Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk urged residents of Pokrovsk and nearby areas near the front line to evacuate to safer regions. She acknowledged the difficulty of leaving jobs and homes but emphasized that the safety of individuals and their families is paramount and staying would hinder defense efforts.
Intense fighting is reported around the villages of Pivnichne and Zalizne in Donetsk, about 64 kilometers (40 miles) east of Pokrovsk. Russian forces launched a significant assault on these areas, aiming to breach Ukrainian positions and advance toward Toretsk, which could lead to further advances towards Kostiantynivka, Kramatorsk, and Sloviansk.
Over the past week, Russia has reportedly used over 40 missiles, 750 guided bombs, and 200 attack drones against Ukrainian targets, according to President Zelensky. He stressed that Russia must be held accountable for these actions.
Ukrainian army chief Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi praised the performance of Ukrainian forces but urged Western allies, including the US, UK, and France, to expedite the delivery of military supplies, emphasizing that there are no breaks in wartime efforts.
