News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/21st August 2024
In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, Ukrainian forces have reportedly destroyed or heavily damaged all three bridges over the Seym River in Russia’s Kursk region. This action, part of Ukraine’s incursion into western Russia, marks a new phase in the conflict and is reshaping the strategic landscape. As Ukraine’s assault on Russian territory enters its third week, the situation on the ground remains fluid and unpredictable.
Russian sources have confirmed that Ukrainian forces have either completely destroyed or severely compromised the bridges that span the Seym River. The attacks have been confirmed by satellite imagery and on-the-ground reports, including a recent update from a Russian military investigator. The destruction of these crucial transport links could potentially trap Russian troops between the river and advancing Ukrainian forces, slowing Russia’s response to the incursion which began on August 6.
Recent footage from Ukraine’s Air Force commander and satellite images provided by Planet Labs PBC have documented the destruction of the bridge in Glushkovo, while additional Russian sources have reported damage to the other two bridges. According to an unnamed representative from Russia’s Investigative Committee, the bridges were targeted with precision artillery and rocket fire, disrupting key supply routes and infrastructure.
As Ukrainian forces make significant territorial gains, including capturing over 1,250 square kilometers and 92 settlements, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has outlined the objective of creating a buffer zone to prevent future attacks from Russian territory. This strategy also includes capturing a substantial number of Russian prisoners of war, which Ukraine hopes to exchange for its own captured personnel.
In the wake of these developments, Russia has reported casualties and displacement resulting from the Ukrainian incursion. According to TASS, 17 individuals have died and 140 have been injured, with four of the hospitalized victims being children. Over the past 24 hours alone, more than 500 people have been evacuated from dangerous areas in the Kursk region, bringing the total number of displaced individuals to over 122,000 since the start of the conflict.
Compounding the situation, Ukrainian drones have targeted an oil depot in Proletarsk, igniting a massive fire that has burned for three days. This incident, which has involved the hospitalization of 41 firefighters, highlights Ukraine’s broader strategy to undermine Russia’s military and economic capabilities.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has condemned Ukraine’s actions, characterizing them as attempts to destabilize Russia and comparing them to acts of terrorism. Putin has vowed retaliation, emphasizing that those responsible will face severe consequences.
Analysts and Ukrainian officials suggest that the incursion has exposed vulnerabilities within Russia and could shift international perceptions. President Zelenskyy believes that Ukraine’s aggressive actions may influence Western allies to provide more robust military support, potentially overcoming previous hesitations related to crossing Russian “red lines.”
Satellite images have revealed that Russian forces are constructing pontoon bridges to replace those destroyed, indicating an ongoing effort to maintain supply lines and support operations amidst the disruption. Meanwhile, Russian forces continue their offensive in eastern Ukraine, particularly targeting the city of Pokrovsk, a crucial logistics hub in the Donetsk region. The battle for Pokrovsk could further impact Ukraine’s defensive capabilities and supply routes, intensifying the conflict in the Donbas region.
