Ukraine has launched a series of precision strikes on critical infrastructure within Russian territory, dealing a severe blow to Russian military operations in the Kursk region. The recent attacks targeted key bridges spanning the Seym River, effectively cutting off Russian forces and civilians from reinforcements and escape routes.
The most recent strike occurred near the town of Zvannoe, where Ukrainian forces reportedly hit a crucial bridge, leaving a large hole in its structure and rendering it impassable for vehicles. This follows a similar attack just days earlier on another bridge in the area. The Ukrainian Air Force has claimed responsibility for the strikes, describing them as "precise strikes from the air."
These bridges serve as vital supply routes for Russian forces near the Ukrainian border, and their destruction represents a strategic move by Ukraine to disrupt Russian military movements. Satellite images reveal that Russia has already constructed a temporary bridge further down the river in response to the strikes, but the damage to the existing infrastructure has significantly hindered Russian logistical operations.
The strikes are part of a broader Ukrainian offensive that began on August 6, when Ukrainian forces launched an unexpected invasion into Russian territory. In a stunning advance, Ukrainian troops have captured over 1,150 square kilometers of land and dozens of towns, pushing 35 kilometers into Russian territory. The scale of this invasion has shocked military analysts, as Ukraine has seized more territory in just eight days than Russia managed in eight months.
The impact of these attacks on Russian President Vladimir Putin's military campaign cannot be overstated. The loss of these strategic bridges has left Russian troops and civilians in the area effectively cut off, with reports of locals resorting to makeshift boats to cross the river. Russian bloggers have even begun soliciting donations for boats to assist in these crossings, highlighting the desperation of the situation.
Amidst these developments, there are reports of significant unrest within the Russian military leadership. Putin is reportedly considering holding senior Kremlin officials accountable for the military failures in the region, with some high-ranking army officers potentially facing criminal charges. The pressure on Putin has only intensified following these setbacks, coming just days after he marked 25 years in power.
Adding to Russia's woes, Ukraine has also targeted an oil depot in southern Russia with a series of kamikaze drone strikes. Footage released by Ukrainian sources shows massive flames and thick black smoke billowing from the Proletarsk fuel plant, further exacerbating the strain on Russia's military resources.
Military expert Colonel Hamish de Bretton-Gordon has warned that Putin must act quickly to maintain his grip on power, as the situation in Kursk continues to deteriorate. He noted that if Putin fails to respond effectively, his allies within the Kremlin could turn against him, leading to further instability.
In a separate development, reports have emerged that Russian forces have abandoned the town of Tetkino, deep inside the now-isolated part of the Kursk region. Ukrainian forces continue to advance with limited resistance, and there are indications that the area of Russian territory under Ukrainian control could nearly double in size.
As Ukrainian forces consolidate their gains, Russian civilians and troops in the region face a dire situation. Reports indicate that over 120,000 Russian civilians have already fled the Kursk region, with authorities evacuating tens of thousands more. The Ukrainian military has also positioned drone teams along key logistics routes, turning the area into a deadly "FPV kill zone" for Russian forces.
