On August 17, 2024, Ukrainian forces successfully targeted and destroyed a key bridge in Russia’s Kursk region. Ukrainian Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk shared a video of the “high precision strikes” on Telegram, highlighting the strategic impact of the operation.
The bridge, which connected areas of Kursk still controlled by Russia with regions recently advanced by Ukrainian troops, was a crucial link for both logistics and civilian movement. The destruction of the bridge has reportedly complicated evacuation efforts in the area.
Ukraine’s recent counter-offensive, which began on August 6, has seen significant territorial gains, with Ukrainian forces reportedly advancing approximately 22 miles past the border. In total, Ukraine claims to have taken control of around 1,000 square kilometers of Russian territory, leading to the evacuation of over 120,000 civilians.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of these actions, stating that disrupting Russian logistics and draining their reserves are central to Ukraine’s military strategy. Zelenskyy commended his troops for their precision and resilience in the ongoing conflict.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova claimed that the bridge was destroyed by Western-made rockets, potentially American HIMARS, marking the first reported use of such weaponry in the Kursk region. Russia has criticized the support provided to Ukraine by its Western allies, accusing them of encouraging Ukraine’s offensive.
In addition to the bridge attack, Ukrainian forces are reportedly advancing 1 to 3 kilometers into the Kursk region, with ongoing fighting near Malaya Loknya. Despite these advances, Zelenskyy has stressed that the frontline in the Donetsk region remains a top priority, with Pokrovsk and Toretsk facing intense Russian assaults.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has called for an end to the conflict, warning of potential escalation into Belarus and suggesting that Western powers may be encouraging continued fighting.
News Editor