Fresh visuals showcase the devastation of the second bridge in Kursk.
Ukraine currently controls approximately 1150 square kilometers within the Russian region of Kursk, prompting threats of a Russian counterattack. To thwart this, Ukraine is intentionally dismantling critical supply routes over the Seim River.
On Saturday, the Ukrainian Air Force shared a video demonstrating the demolition of a second key bridge in the Russian region of Kursk. Ukrainian Air Force commander Mykola Oleschuk commented on Telegram, "One fewer bridge. The Air Force persists in undermining the adversary's logistical capabilities with pinpoint airstrikes."
Experts have substantiated the video's authenticity using geodata, which showcases the damaged access road to the Russian village of Swannoe in the Glushkov district, which was previously reported as destroyed. Previously, the Ukrainian Air Force had only released footage of the Glushkov bridge attack.
Both bridges were destroyed using air strikes, with guided bombs and, in the case of the Glushkov bridge, the US HIMARS rocket launcher system, according to OSINT experts. While the bridge in Glushkov collapsed into the Seim, the support structure in Swannoe remains intact, but there's a substantial gap in the roadway.
Growing Bargaining Power for Ukraine
The Glushkov district is west of the Ukraine-occupied area in Kursk. Ukrainian reports indicate that the bridge destruction aims to constrain Russian supply options and discourage Russian assaults on Ukrainian territory. OSINT experts suggest that besides this solitary fortified crossing over the Seim, there's another nearby, close to the Ukrainian border. North of Glushkov, the Russian military has also erected a makeshift bridge.
Ukrainian news sources suggest that the advance aims to exert pressure on Moscow for a "fair negotiation process." Captured territories could serve as a bargaining chip in future negotiations. Additionally, Ukrainian President Zelensky is looking to swap captured Russian soldiers and Ukrainian prisoners in Russian captivity.
Surprise Attack Since World War II
On August 6, the Ukrainian army initiated a covert offensive in the Kursk region, with unconfirmed reports of around 10,000 Ukrainian soldiers participating. According to Army Chief Oleksandr Syrsky, 1150 square kilometers and 82 settlements have been seized, including the strategically significant city of Sudja, situated roughly 10 kilometers beyond the Russian border. Here, a vital gas hub controlled by Russian company Gazprom is located, facilitating the transport of Russian gas to Europe via Ukraine.
This is the most substantial border incursion by Ukraine since the initiation of the Russian invasion and the very first by a foreign army on Russian soil since the conclusion of World War II.
Following the successful destruction of key bridges in the Russian region of Kursk, Ukraine's intent to disrupt Russian supply routes is reinforced, as demonstrated by the dismantling of critical paths over the Seim River. This action increases the potential influence Ukraine may have in future negotiations, given the captured territories that could serve as bargaining chips.
The surprise attack initiated by Ukraine in the Kursk region, seizing 1150 square kilometers and 82 settlements, including the strategic city of Sudja, has significantly challenged Russian territorial control, marking a rare instance of a foreign army conducting an offensive on Russian soil since World War II.
