(The Kathmandu Post) – The destruction of the last key bridge over the Seym River in Russia’s Kursk region has significant implications for Moscow’s military operations. Ukrainian forces have reportedly demolished this bridge, which was situated in the village of Karyzh. This bridge was crucial as it was the final major crossing point in the region.
Prior to this, Ukraine had already targeted and destroyed two other bridges in the Kursk area. The first bridge was damaged in late August, located 16 kilometers northwest of the main battle zone. The second bridge was destroyed in Zvannoe on a Sunday. The elimination of the Karyzh bridge now poses a severe logistical challenge for Russian forces.
The destruction of this final bridge impacts approximately 700 square kilometers of Russian territory. With the bridge gone, Russian troops on the southern side of the Seym River will now rely on pontoon bridges for their supply and reinforcement needs. These pontoon bridges are notably vulnerable to further Ukrainian attacks.
According to a recent assessment by The Institute for the Study of War (ISW), a Washington-based think tank, Russian forces have likely redeployed over 5,000 personnel to the Kursk region. This move is an attempt to counteract the Ukrainian troops who entered Kursk in early August, catching Russian forces off guard.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated on Sunday that the military incursion into Kursk is part of a strategy to establish a buffer zone. This buffer is intended to prevent potential attacks by Moscow from across the border.
This incursion represents one of the largest assaults on Russian territory since World War II, with Ukrainian forces advancing significantly into Russian-held areas with minimal resistance. General Oleksandr Syrskyi, Ukraine’s Commander in Chief, reported last week that Ukrainian forces have moved across 1,000 square kilometers of the Kursk region. However, verifying the exact control of these areas remains challenging.
Nataliya Bugayova, a fellow at The Institute for the Study of War, noted that Ukraine’s offensive in Kursk could potentially create significant momentum for the Ukrainian forces. The ongoing incursion forces Russia to reallocate its military resources from other areas, which could increase the need for additional manpower and material support in the Kursk region.