What's happened
Ukrainian forces have successfully destroyed three strategic bridges over the Seym River in Russia's Kursk region, disrupting supply lines to Russian troops. This offensive, part of a broader cross-border incursion, aims to consolidate Ukrainian gains and potentially trap Russian forces in the area.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Guardian, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that his forces now control over 1,250 square kilometers of 'enemy territory' in the Kursk region. This includes 92 settlements, indicating a significant territorial expansion. Meanwhile, The Independent reported that the destruction of the bridges has left Russian forces reliant on a single pontoon bridge, which is within range of Ukrainian artillery. Metro highlighted that the attacks have slowed Russia's response to the incursion, suggesting a tactical advantage for Ukraine. Business Insider UK noted that military experts believe the bridge strikes complicate Russian logistics, isolating their forces on the wrong side of the river.
How we got here
Since launching a surprise offensive on August 6, 2024, Ukraine has made significant territorial gains in the Kursk region. The destruction of the bridges is a tactical move to isolate Russian forces and strengthen Ukraine's defensive positions.
More on these topics
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Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.
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Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Covering an area of 17,125,200 square kilometres, it is the largest country in the world by area, spanning more than one-eighth of the Earth's in
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Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Zelenskyy is a Ukrainian politician, actor and comedian who is the 6th and current president of Ukraine, serving since May 2019.