Report: Destruction of Key Bridge in Russia’s Kursk Region by Ukrainian Strikes
It was announced by the Ukrainian Air Force that a strategically important road bridge in Russia was destroyed on Saturday as part of their offensive in the Kursk region.
Mykola Oleshchuk, the Ukrainian Air Force Commander, shared a video on a Telegram channel showcasing the bombing of the bridge, believed to be authentic by experts.
The video depicted the bridge over the Seim River in the Glushkovo district completely destroyed, cutting off a crucial supply route for Russian forces.
Russia had earlier confirmed the destruction of the bridge, which had been under Ukrainian shelling for several days since the incursion started on August 6.
Oleshchuk confirmed the active involvement of the Air Force in combat operations supporting Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region.
The commander stated, “Ukrainian pilots are conducting precise strikes on enemy strongholds, equipment gatherings, and enemy logistics centers and supply routes.”
Expressing gratitude, Oleshchuk added, “Thanks to the pilots and everyone supporting the Air Force’s efforts in the battle.”
Ukraine’s unprecedented ground offensive in the Kursk region runs parallel to Russia’s ongoing full-scale invasion initiated in February 2022.
Kyiv aims to compel Moscow towards negotiations to bring an end to the conflict.
The Kursk governor, Alexey Smirnov, confirmed the bridge’s destruction on Friday.
According to Russian military bloggers on Telegram, the bridge was initially targeted with U.S.-made rockets before being demolished by a glide bomb.
Additionally, it was reported that two volunteers in a vehicle lost their lives while attempting to evacuate people during the earlier shelling.
Maria Zakharova, a spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, criticized Ukraine for utilizing Western weapons to destroy civil infrastructure in the Kursk region.
She vowed that those deemed responsible for “this inhumane conduct” would face consequences.
dpa/NAN