Ukraine blasts bridges, digs in to hold Kursk gains

Ukrainian military vehicle drives through Sudzha, Russia, in Kursk offensive

(Image credit: Ed Ram / For The Washington Post via Getty Images)

published 19 August 2024

What happened

Ukraine said Sunday it had destroyed a second key bridge in Russia's Kursk region as Kyiv works to solidify gains two weeks into its surprise incursion into Russian territory. Russia had used both bridges over the Seim River to resupply its forces.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his nightly address that Ukraine's "primary task in defensive operations" was now to "destroy as much Russian war potential as possible and conduct maximum counteroffensive actions," including "creating a buffer zone" in Kursk to prevent cross-border attacks.

This was the "first time Zelenskyy clearly stated the aim of the operation," The Associated Press said. Ukraine appears to have "multiple goals with the assault," CNN said, "from boosting morale after a torrid few months to stretching Russia's resources" and improving Kyiv's negotiating position.

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Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.