The Russian foreign ministry has accused Ukraine of using Western rockets, likely U.S.-made HIMARS, to destroy a bridge over the Seym river in the Kursk region. This attack resulted in the death of volunteers who were attempting to evacuate civilians. Maria Zakharova, the spokeswoman for the Russian foreign ministry, made this statement on the Telegram messaging app, expressing outrage at the use of Western-made rocket launchers.
Ukrainian army chief Oleksandr Syrskyi reported that Kyiv’s forces were making progress in the Kursk region, advancing between 1 and 3 kilometres in some areas. This advancement comes 11 days after the incursion into Russia began. Kyiv claims to have taken control of 82 settlements over an area of 1,150 square kilometres in the Kursk region since August 6th. However, these claims have not been independently verified by Reuters.
Russia has accused the West of supporting and encouraging Ukraine’s ground offensive on Russian territory. The United States, in response, views Ukraine’s incursion as a protective move that justifies the use of U.S. weaponry. Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war launched in February 2022 has led to tensions between Russia and Western powers. Russia has vowed to retaliate against Ukraine’s actions, referring to the incursion as a major provocation.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy sees Russia’s losses in the Kursk region as beneficial for Ukraine’s defense. He highlighted the impact on the Russian army’s logistics and reserves. Kyiv Air Force commander Mykola Oleshchuk added that aviation played a significant role in targeting the enemy’s supply routes and logistics centres. The destruction of a road bridge over the Seym river in the Glushkovsky district by Ukraine was noted by Kursk regional governor Alexei Smirnov.
Despite the focus on the Kursk region, the heaviest fighting continues in Ukraine’s east, particularly around the strategic hub of Pokrovsk. Analysts suggest that Ukraine’s Kursk operation aims to distract Russian forces from the east. However, there has been little indication of a letup in the east, with Russian troops advancing towards key locations. French military expert Yohann Michel believes that the side that blinks first will have to halt their offensive, indicating the intense nature of the conflict.
President Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine’s commitment to not forgetting about the east while promising additional weapons deliveries to fortify positions. The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine underscores the complexity and severity of the situation, with both sides heavily invested in their defense strategies and objectives.
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