Kursk: Ukraine's military has reportedly destroyed a second key bridge in Russia's Kursk region, intensifying its cross-border offensive that began on August 6, 2024. The targeted bridge, located near the village of Zvannoye over the Seym River, was struck by Ukrainian air forces aiming to disrupt Russian supply lines and fortify their positions in the region. Ukrainian Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk confirmed the strike, sharing a video of the explosion on Telegram.

This follows a similar attack on a bridge in the Glushkovo district, which Russian officials acknowledged had hindered evacuation efforts and disrupted supply routes . The destruction of these bridges has left Russian forces with limited options to cross the Seym River in the area, potentially isolating them and complicating their defensive operations.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that the primary objective of the incursion is to create a "buffer zone" on Russian territory to prevent further attacks on Ukraine . Since the operation's inception, Ukrainian forces claim to have seized control of over 1,150 square kilometers and more than 80 settlements in the Kursk region.

In response, Russia has accused Ukraine of using Western-made rocket launchers, likely U.S.-supplied HIMARS, to carry out these attacks, marking the first time such weapons have been used in the Kursk region . The Kremlin has labeled the Ukrainian incursion a "major provocation" and vowed retaliation, though specific countermeasures have not been detailed.

The ongoing conflict continues to evolve, with both sides engaging in strategic maneuvers that could significantly impact the course of the war.