- Ukraine bolsters its stance in Kursk and presses for additional armaments
In their advance on Kursk, Ukraine is strengthening its hold and reporting further victories in dismantling military facilities. President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv stated, "The operation is evolving as planned." Now, they're bolstering their positions. Additionally, they're capturing more Russian prisoners of war to prepare for the next prisoner exchange with Russia, aiming to secure the safe return of soldiers and civilians from Russian captivity.
Russian military bloggers described the scenario in Kursk as tense but controlled. They confirmed Zelensky's remarks that the adversary is reinforcing its positions and expanding its forces in the occupied region. Moreover, Ukraine is deploying weaponry and air defense systems in the area.
Despite the triumphs in Kursk, which boosts Ukrainian morale, Kyiv faces substantial pressure in its own territory in the Donetsk region.
Zelensky Urges More Advanced Weapons from the West
Zelensky appealed for more long-range weapons from the West. He pointed out that the military's capability to use such weapons against Russia is a major strategic concern in this war. He criticized the lack of decisive action from Western partners, such as Britain, who've allegedly slowed down the process.
"If our long-range capabilities were adequate, we could effectively deny the invader any opportunity to advance and inflict damage," Zelensky said. He has repeatedly urged for the deployment of missiles and cruise missiles against targets in Russia, but there are presently constraints on this.
Moscow Reports Captures in Donetsk Region
While Ukraine is defending its own territory, Russian troops are advancing in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk, as per their own accounts. Moscow's forces claimed to have captured Swyrydoniwka in the Pokrovsk district, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. These claims could not be independently verified.
However, the Ukrainian military project DeepState also reported that the Russians had seized fresh territories in Donetsk. For instance, Mykolajiwka in the Kramatorsk district was reportedly captured by the occupiers. They're also pushing forward in other directions. Ukraine typically refrains from disclosing its own territory losses. The General Staff reported severe combat in the directions of Pokrovsk and Torezk, but also emphasized that Russian attacks were being repelled.
Kyiv's Air Force Strikes Another Bridge in Kursk Region
In the Kursk region, the Ukrainian air force reported another hit on a second bridge following the demolition of the primary bridge over the Seym River. "Another bridge down," Air Force Commander Mykola Oleschuk said on his Telegram channel, posting a video.
Photos display a sizable gap in the road, said to be the crossing near Swannoe. Unlike the bridge at Glushkovo, which was bombed on Friday, the structure remained standing. Russian military bloggers corroborated the damage. The crossing is still navigable for pedestrians and occasionally for vehicles, the Telegram channel "Rybar" stated.
"The air force is stifling the enemy's logistical capabilities with accurate strikes, significantly impacting the course of hostilities," Oleschuk said. He did not provide further details. The bridge also served to supply Russian forces.
Lack of Bridges Pose Predicament for Russian Military
Russian military bloggers report that there's only one bridge left in the Gluschkowo district for resupplying Moscow's troops - specifically, at the village of Karysh. Military expert Jan Matwejew clarified that the situation for Russian troops is deteriorating. They could potentially be trapped in a vice-like grip. "If Russian soldiers don't retreat, they will be encircled. If they retreat, they'll abandon a vast area," Matwejew stated.
The Russian Foreign Ministry has condemned the destruction of infrastructure using weapons from NATO countries.
Ukraine, in its defense against the nearly two-and-a-half-year-long Russian incursion, has launched an unprecedented ground offensive in the Kursk region since August 6. Kyiv aims to prompt Moscow to negotiate an end to the war.
Anxieties About Nuclear Power Plants in Conflict Zone
Concerns about nuclear power plants in the conflict zone have resurfaced. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) considers the safety of the Ukrainian nuclear power plant in Saporishshya at risk: An explosion occurred near the safety zone, which IAEA experts on the ground estimated was caused by a drone carrying explosives, the organization reported.
"Once again, we witness a further escalation of threats to nuclear safety at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant," warned IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi. He remains "extremely concerned" and pleads for restraint from all sides.
Intense Fighting Despite All Warnings
According to IAEA observers, the area surrounding the power plant was heavily contested last week. Despite all appeals, there are no signs that the fighting is subsiding, they said. There was also a fire at a cooling tower of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
The nuclear power plant, which Russia controls, has been a target of attacks and acts of sabotage on numerous occasions. Moscow and Kyiv blame each other for these incidents.
Russian Nuclear Agency: Deterioration in Kursk
Russia's state nuclear agency Rosatom had previously briefed Grossi about a deterioration in the situation around the Kursk nuclear power plant. Rosatom head Alexei Likhachev invited Grossi to visit the power plant and the city of Kursk to assess the situation. According to Russian reports, there are daily multiple air raid alerts there due to the threat of Ukrainian attacks. Debris from rockets was also found on the power plant site.
The International Atomic Energy Agency raised concerns over possible threats to the Kursk nuclear power station due to Ukraine's progression. It's uncertain if this advance aims at the nuclear power station itself. In response, Russia has beefed up security at the nuclear site, situated approximately 60 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. Moreover, a team of workers, involved in the construction of two new reactors, have been momentarily relocated.
The United Kingdom, being a key ally of Ukraine, has the potential to significantly impact the war by providing Zelensky with the advanced weapons he desires. The United Kingdom, alongside other Western countries, could accelerate the delivery of long-range weapons to Ukraine, helping to deter further Russian advancements.
