On Sunday, the Ukrainian military published aerial shots of a second bridge being bombed by them. Which they claim was found to be over the Seym River at Zvannoe in Kursk. The Commander of the Ukrainian Air Force. Lieutenant General Mykola Oleschuk, backed up the attack. When he shared this footage on social media and wrote “Minus one more bridge.” He stressed that Russian logistic systems’ crippling is caused by Ukrainian air strikes systematically. Which are now “having a significant impact on the course of hostilities.”
It follows last week’s demolition of another bridge over the Seym River near Glushkovo that was used as a supply line for Kremlin troops. According to Military analysts, three relevant bridges were identified in this area with two already having been destroyed or seriously damaged hence affecting Russian logistics.
Ukrainian Strategic Goals
For the first time since the incursion into Kursk began. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky outlined its purpose. While also revealing that it seeks to establish a “buffer zone” against further aggression from Russia. Speaking late on Sunday night addressing his nation. Zelensky claimed that Russia is receiving severe losses out of this ongoing operation. Which have extended beyond the military aspect only. This means everything starting from defending structures like the defense industry to targeting even Russia’s economy itself.
Zelensky argued that Ukraine’s intent extended beyond mere self-defense and included extensive counter-strikes meant to annihilate as much Russian war potential as possible. In her explanations, Zelensky’s adviser Mykhaylo Podolyak made it clear that what Ukraine intended was not territorial annexation but rather coercing Russia into talks.
Russian Response and Nuclear Concerns
In response to Ukraine’s incursion, Moscow condemned it as a major provocation vowing an adequate retaliation. However, while Ukrainian forces are consolidating their gains in Kursk, Russians have been advancing towards eastern Ukraine, taking over several villages in the recent past.
These mounting tensions are also causing greater apprehension about Zaporizhzhia. After a drone attack near the plant’s perimeter fence, Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), voiced grave concern over escalating safety conditions. This bomb strikes alongside a road close to vital water spray ponds has heightened fears about an imminent nuclear catastrophe. Grossi called on all parties to exercise heightened caution to protect this facility.
During the hostilities, Russia which occupied it earlier suffered from recurrent attacks with both Kyiv. And Moscow blamed each other for them at the Zaporizhzhia plant. Despite not being operational for more than two years now with six out of its six reactors shutting down by April while still awaiting restart instructions, however. It is one of the main flashpoints in this ongoing conflict.
