In a bold move, Ukraine has destroyed a crucial bridge in Russia’s Kursk region and targeted another nearby, impacting Russian supply chains and potentially indicating their intention to fortify their position within the region. The initial bridge over the Seim River near Glushkovo was split in two by a Ukrainian airstrike, confirmed by Ukraine’s air force chief, Lt. Mykola Oleshchuk, through a released video.
Subsequently, a second bridge was reportedly hit by Ukrainian forces, though the exact location has not been officially disclosed. Russian sources suggest the second bridge attacked is situated in the village of Zvannoe, leaving the area with only one operational bridge, as per reports from Russia’s Mash news site.
The destruction of these bridges poses significant challenges to Moscow in replenishing its troops in Kursk and evacuating civilians, as acknowledged by pro-Kremlin military bloggers. The offensive by Ukrainian forces into the Kursk region, unprecedented since World War II, caught the Kremlin off guard and resulted in widespread chaos and the capture of numerous villages and prisoners.
Amidst the silence from Kyiv regarding the strategic goals of their incursion into Russia, it is evident that the disruption of supply lines through bridge attacks could signify a desire to establish a foothold in the region or send a strong message to Moscow about their intentions. However, analysts point out that consolidating gains in Russian territory would be a risky move for Ukraine, given the vulnerability of extended supply lines to potential Russian counterattacks.
The recent incursion has revitalized Ukrainian morale, previously dampened by setbacks and ongoing Russian advances in the eastern Donbas region. The lightning operation executed by Ukrainian forces, reminiscent of a previous successful campaign in the Kharkiv region, has showcased their ability to seize the initiative and capitalize on strategic opportunities.
