Ukrainian Forces Detonate Second Bridge in Western Russia’s Kurk

On August 18, Ukrainian forces detonated a second bridge within the western Russian territory, marking an escalation in their operations a day after President Volodymyr Zelensky declared that troops were “getting stronger” in the Kursk region. The bridge destruction signifies continued Ukrainian efforts to weaken Russian military logistics.

Meanwhile, Russian military efforts remained concentrated on repelling Ukrainian advances near three settlements in the Kursk area, as they sought to flush out “mobile enemy groups.” Ukrainian forces are reported to have taken control of over 80 settlements in their campaign over the course of the week.

Ukrainian military officials confirmed the detonation of another bridge spanning the Seym river on Sunday. Air Force Commander Lt. Gen. Mykola Oleshchuk shared the victory on Telegram, posting a video of the explosion, accompanied by the exclamation, “Minus one more bridge!” He attributed the success to the air force’s precise strikes that have significantly diminished Russian logistical capabilities.

This attack follows a similar operation undertaken two days earlier, which also targeted a bridge over the Seym river. Russia’s foreign ministry has since blamed Western rockets—likely U.S.-made HIMARS—for the destruction.

In response to the ongoing incursions, Russian President Vladimir Putin has vowed a “worthy response.” Russian forces continue their advances in eastern Ukraine, unleashing heavy artillery on Ukrainian cities and civilian areas. Zelensky reported that Russian forces have deployed over 40 types of missiles, 750 guided aerial bombs, and 200 different strike drones against Ukraine.

“Such acts of terror will not go unpunished, and the occupiers must be held accountable in the courts of history,” Zelensky asserted, highlighting the resilience of Ukrainian warriors amidst the chaos.

On Sunday, the Russian military launched a substantial assault around the villages of Pivnichne and Zalizne in the Donetsk region, situated approximately 40 miles east of Pokrovsk. The Ukrainian General Staff reported that Russian forces, aided by an armored group of twelve vehicles, attempted to breach Ukrainian positions as they pushed towards Toretsk.

Strategically, this advance is significant as Pokrovsk serves as a key logistic hub for Ukrainian forces, offering vital access to Kostiantynivka, another military center responsible for resupplying the front lines and evacuating casualties. The situation has heightened tensions, with Russian troops reportedly closing in to as little as 11 kilometers (6.8 miles) from the outskirts of Pokrovsk.

Serhii Dobriak, head of the Pokrovsk city military administration, emphasized the city’s preparation for potential conflict, stating, “Every town in Donetsk has a combat unit assigned, and we are constantly developing defense plans.” In recent days, nearly 1,800 individuals have been evacuated from the city as tensions rise.

In a related discussion, U.S. Senator Mark Kelly, from Arizona, addressed the ramifications of Ukraine striking targets in Russia. He noted that the conflict has already displaced around 130,000 Russians, and suggested that Ukrainian actions might reshape the dynamics of the ongoing conflict.

When asked about American weapons being utilized on Russian soil, Kelly expressed his support, reflecting on the nature of the invasion. “I believe Ukrainians are reacting to an illegal attack by Putin, who is purposefully targeting civilians,” he stated during an appearance on CBS’s Face the Nation.

Kelly indicated the importance of continuously reassessing American support for Ukraine’s military operations after over two years of conflict. As preparations intensify in the Kursk region, the situation remains fluid, with both sides increasing their military activity.

With a population of approximately 1 million, Kursk holds historical significance. In August 2023, Putin commemorated a pivotal battle in the region, referring to it as “one of the great feats of our people,” linking the site’s legacy to contemporary military actions.

Source: UPI