Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke on Sunday about his military’s ongoing incursion into Russia’s Kursk Oblast, saying his forces were working to create “a buffer zone in the area.”
His comments followed reports earlier in the day that Ukrainian forces had destroyed a second bridge in the Kursk region. The destruction of the bridge over the Sejm near the village of Swannoye came just two days after Ukraine reportedly destroyed another bridge over the Sejm in the Kursk district of Glushkovsky.
Earlier this month, Ukraine launched its offensive in Kursk Oblast as the war between the two countries rages on since Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered an invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Thousands of Russians have been evacuated from both Kursk and surrounding regions, while armed clashes intensify across southwest Russia following Ukraine’s unexpected cross-border incursion.
“Our main task now in all defensive operations is to destroy as much Russian war potential as possible,” Zelensky said in his speech on Sunday evening, according to the Kyiv Independent.
He added: “Specifically, it is about creating a buffer zone on the territory of the aggressor – our operation in the Kursk region.”
Photo by GENYA SAVILOV/AFP via Getty Images
Elsewhere in his speech, Zelensky said they had achieved “good and much-needed results in the destruction of Russian equipment near Toretsk,” a settlement in Ukraine’s Donetsk region where Russian troops have carried out heavy attacks in recent weeks.
The Ukrainian president also said that the “coming weeks will be crucial for our diplomatic efforts with various partners in Europe, America and developing countries.”
“We have already expanded the circle of those who support a just end to this war and will continue to do so,” Zelensky said, according to the Kyiv Independent. “It is important that Ukraine starts this autumn even stronger than before.”
The destruction of the bridge at Swannoye serves Zelensky’s goal of compromising Russia’s logistical capabilities. The Russian Telegram news channel Mash reported that Kyiv’s attack on the bridge was carried out using HIMARS missiles supplied by the US.
Ukrainian Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshuk announced the attack on the bridge with a video posted on Telegram showing a cloud of smoke rising from the structure.
“One more bridge down!” wrote Oleschuk. “The Air Force continues to deprive the enemy of its logistical capabilities through precise air strikes, which significantly affects the course of hostilities! Thanks again to the pilots for their professionalism and results!”
Newsweek contacted the Russian Defense Ministry by email on Sunday and asked for comment.
