Ukraine Claims Destruction of Second Russian Bridge in Recent Offensive

Ukraine has announced the destruction of a second crucial bridge in Russia’s Kursk region within a week, as its military offensive continues. On Sunday, the Ukrainian military released aerial footage showing the attack on a bridge reportedly spanning the Seym River near Zvannoe. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that the objective of the incursion includes establishing a “buffer zone” to halt Russian aggression.

The Ukrainian assault marks nearly two weeks since Kyiv launched its most significant incursion into Russian territory since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Ukrainian Air Force Commander Lt Gen Mykola Oleschuk shared footage of the recent strike on social media, stating, “Minus one more bridge.” He highlighted that Ukrainian precision airstrikes are crucial in disrupting Russian logistical capabilities and influencing the course of the conflict.

The released video captures a large plume of smoke enveloping the bridge, with one section visibly destroyed. The timing of the strike remains unspecified. Earlier in the week, Ukraine had already taken out another bridge over the Seym River near Glushkovo, which was vital for Kremlin supplies to its troops.

Military analysts had previously identified three key bridges in the area used by Russia to support its forces. According to Reuters, two of these bridges have either been destroyed or severely damaged. The continued Ukrainian advance into Russian territory suggests a sustained and strategic effort.

President Zelensky, in a recent address, confirmed that Ukrainian forces are consolidating their positions in Kursk and extending their reach further into Russia. He stated, “Our operation in the Kursk region is inflicting losses on the Russian army, their defense industry, and their economy.” Zelensky emphasized that the mission aims to “destroy as much Russian war potential as possible” and conduct extensive counteroffensive actions, including the creation of a buffer zone to mitigate further Russian attacks on Ukraine.

Mykhaylo Podolyak, an advisor to Zelensky, clarified that Ukraine does not seek to occupy Russian territory but hopes to pressure Russia into negotiations. In response, Moscow has denounced the incursion as a severe provocation and has promised a strong retaliation.

As Ukraine makes strides in western Russian territory, Russian forces have gained ground in eastern Ukraine, capturing several villages recently. The situation is further complicated by concerns about nuclear safety at the Zaporizhzhia power plant, which remains under Russian control. Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), expressed deep concern over the deteriorating safety conditions following a recent drone strike near the plant’s perimeter.

Grossi called for “maximum restraint from all sides” to protect the facility. The strike reportedly impacted a road near essential water sprinkler ponds and was close to the last high-voltage line. The plant, seized early in the conflict, has experienced repeated attacks, with both sides blaming each other for the incidents. Last week, a fire broke out in one of the plant’s cooling towers, escalating tensions.

The IAEA has not identified the party responsible for the drone strike but indicated that it caused damage with an explosive device. Their team at Zaporizhzhia reported hearing frequent explosions and artillery fire nearby. Although the plant has not generated power for over two years and all six reactors have been in cold shutdown since April, the situation remains volatile.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022, has seen slow advances in the east. However, the unexpected Ukrainian penetration into Kursk has led to the evacuation of thousands of Russians from the area. This is the first instance of foreign troops on Russian soil since World War II, marking a significant escalation in the conflict.