Additional Coverage:
- Russia keeps trying to replace the bridges that Ukraine destroys. Ukraine is taking out those, too. (newsbreak.com)
Recent images from Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces suggest they have been actively targeting Russian efforts to erect pontoon bridges in the Kursk area. The attacks, which include drone strikes on construction equipment and vehicles, come in response to Ukraine reportedly destroying three stable bridges across the Seym river in an attempt to isolate Russian forces in the region.
This aggressive action, as detailed in footage released by Ukrainian special forces, showcases several Russian attempts to establish temporary bridges being disrupted. The Ukrainian Special Operations Forces stated on their Telegram account, as translated by Reuters, that they “accurately destroy” these structures.
Reports from the Centre for Defence Strategies and satellite images observed by the Associated Press corroborate these claims, revealing the visible elimination of pontoons used by Russia along the Seym river. Notably, imagery from a satellite showed one pontoon between Zvannoye and Glushkovo missing as of Monday, with indications of smoke nearby.
According to a post by Radio Free Europe reporter Mark Krutov, recent satellite images further confirmed the disappearance of a Russian pontoon bridge in the same area, suggesting potential Russian withdrawals.
In a broader strategic move, Ukraine claims to have captured nearly 500 square miles in Kursk and established a military base, indicating a prolonged presence in the area. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also mentioned plans to create a buffer zone in the region to further secure the area.
Overall, the destruction of these bridges appears to be a tactical effort by Ukraine to corner Russian forces, limiting their movements between Ukraine-controlled territory, the Ukrainian border, and the river, as reported by the AP.