A Ukrainian soldier stands near used shell cartridges as he patrols an area in Ukraine’s Donetsk region. Oleksandr Klymenko/Reuters
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declared on Sunday, August 18, 2024, that Ukraine is “getting stronger” in the Kursk region, following the destruction of a second bridge by Ukrainian forces. This development marks another significant blow to Russian infrastructure as Ukraine continues its offensive in the area. The Kursk operation has been ongoing since Ukraine launched a surprise cross-border incursion last week.
Zelensky’s announcement comes at a time when Ukraine has been under heavy pressure in its eastern territories, particularly in the Donetsk region. However, the Kursk offensive has provided a much-needed boost to Ukrainian morale, as well as a strategic advantage in disrupting Russian logistics. Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine is reinforcing its positions in Kursk, signaling a determined push to maintain and expand their foothold.
The destruction of the second bridge over the Seym River in Kursk was executed with precision air strikes, according to the Ukrainian Air Force Commander Mykolaiv Oleshchuk. A video shared on social media showed the aftermath of the strike, with smoke rising from the bridge, symbolizing the ongoing efforts to weaken Russian supply lines. This attack follows the destruction of another bridge in the same region just two days earlier, which Russia claims was carried out using Western-supplied HIMARS rockets.
In addition to the bridge demolitions, Ukraine has made further territorial gains in the Kursk region. The Ukrainian military has reportedly taken control of more than 1,000 square kilometers of Russian territory, a significant achievement that includes the strategic town of Sudzha. Sudzha now serves as a base for Ukrainian forces, with a military commandant’s office established there.
As the fighting in Kursk intensifies, Russia has urged residents of the region’s Korenevsky district to evacuate. Local officials, including the head of the district, Marina Degtyareva, have warned residents not to return until it is safe. Degtyareva highlighted the dangers posed by the ongoing military operations and pleaded with citizens to allow the military to carry out its duties without interference.
While Ukraine’s forces advance in Kursk, Russia continues its own offensive in eastern Ukraine, particularly in the Donetsk region. Russian troops have moved closer to the city of Pokrovsk, which is a crucial hub for Ukrainian military operations. The approach of Russian forces has led to the accelerated evacuation of civilians from Pokrovsk, with nearly 1,800 people evacuated in the past week alone. The town has been subjected to missile attacks, and preparations are underway to fortify defenses as Russian forces draw nearer.
The conflict in Donetsk has also seen intense fighting around the villages of Pivnichne and Zalizne. Ukrainian General Staff reported that Russian forces launched a massive assault on Sunday morning, supported by an armored group of 12 vehicles. The Russian forces aim to break through Ukrainian positions and advance toward strategic towns that could provide a pathway to further gains in the region.
Throughout the past week, Russia has unleashed a barrage of missiles, guided bombs, and strike drones on Ukrainian cities and villages, further escalating the conflict. President Zelensky condemned these attacks and vowed that Russia would be held accountable for its actions. He highlighted the importance of the Ukrainian military’s efforts not just in defending their territory but in weakening Russian military potential through targeted counteroffensives.
Zelensky also stressed the need for continued support from Ukraine’s allies, urging them to expedite the delivery of supplies. The Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief General Syrskyi echoed this sentiment, praising the efforts of Ukrainian soldiers on all fronts but emphasizing that the war requires relentless commitment from both Ukraine and its international supporters.
As the situation in Kursk and Donetsk evolves, the determination of Ukrainian forces remains steadfast. Zelensky’s message of growing strength and resilience serves as a rallying cry for the nation, as Ukraine continues its struggle against Russian aggression. The destruction of key infrastructure in Kursk marks a pivotal moment in the conflict, with the potential to reshape the dynamics on the ground.
#UkraineStrong #Zelensky #KurskOffensive #RussiaUkraineWar #BridgeDestruction