Ukrainian strikes damage key bridge in Russia’s Kursk Metropolis

On Saturday, the Ukrainian Air Force reported the destruction of a strategically important road bridge in Russia’s Kursk region as part of its ongoing offensive.

Ukrainian Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk shared a video on Telegram depicting the bombing of the bridge, which experts have indicated is likely authentic. The footage reveals extensive damage to the structure spanning the Seim River in the Glushkovo district, effectively eliminating a vital supply route for Russian forces.

Russia had earlier acknowledged the bridge’s destruction, noting that it had been shelled by Ukrainian forces for several days following the start of the incursion on August 6.

Oleshchuk confirmed that the Ukrainian Air Force is actively engaged in combat operations in the Kursk region. “Our pilots are executing precision strikes against enemy strongholds, equipment assemblies, and logistics centers,” he stated. “We are grateful to the pilots and everyone supporting the Air Force’s efforts,” he added.

This latest ground offensive by Ukraine in the Kursk area is part of a broader strategy to pressure Moscow into negotiations to end the ongoing full-scale invasion, which began in February 2022.

Kursk Governor Alexey Smirnov had reported the bridge’s destruction on Friday. Russian military bloggers on Telegram claimed that the bridge was first targeted with U.S.-made rockets before being demolished by a glide bomb strike. They also reported that two volunteers were killed while attempting to evacuate civilians during the shelling.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova condemned Ukraine’s use of Western weapons to target civilian infrastructure in the Kursk region. She vowed that those responsible for this “inhumane conduct” would face repercussions.