Intense fighting continues within Russia as Ukrainian troops press their advance, employing kamikaze drones to destroy a strategic pontoon bridge across the Seym River. The bridge, constructed by Russian forces between the villages of Zvannoe and Glushkovo, was reportedly obliterated on Tuesday, with satellite images capturing the destruction and plumes of grey smoke rising from the site. The pontoon had been erected to replace three bridges previously demolished by Ukrainian missiles.
The Ukrainian offensive in the Kursk region follows a surprise incursion two weeks ago, aiming to secure a larger foothold in the area. The operation has trapped an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 Russian conscripts in the Glushkovsky district south of the river. Some civilians have managed to flee the conflict zone using small boats.
On Tuesday, Ukrainian forces reportedly captured the village of Martynovka. Video footage also emerged showing Ukrainian soldiers engaged in fierce combat in the nearby hamlet of Malaya Loknya. The soldiers, utilizing a Marder infantry fighting vehicle, were seen firing at Russian positions, with several houses caught in the flames of battle.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced on Monday that Ukrainian forces now control over 1,250 square kilometers of territory around the Russian border town of Sudzha. This area includes 92 settlements, which Zelenskiy described as part of a “defensive operation.” He admitted that he had not informed key allies about the plan in advance, fearing it would be deemed unrealistic. The offensive, described by Zelenskiy as proving Russia’s “red lines” and threats of escalation were “naive,” marks the first major assault on Russian soil since World War II.
While Ukraine has achieved notable advances in the Kursk region, Russian forces have made steady progress in eastern Ukraine. On Tuesday, the Kremlin confirmed its capture of Niu-York, a town with strategic significance since 2014. Russian troops are also engaged in a battle for the village of Hrodikva, near the Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk, a key military hub.
Zelenskiy acknowledged the challenging situation in Donetsk oblast, where Ukrainian forces are facing intense combat. According to the Ukrainian general staff, there have been 14 clashes in Toretsk and 34 in the Pokrovsk sector. Many residents of Pokrovsk have been evacuating amid warnings of impending violence.
Matthew Savill, director of military sciences at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) in London, cautioned that while Ukraine’s Kursk operation could bolster morale and alter tactical dynamics, its broader impact on Russia’s campaign remains uncertain. Savill noted that Ukraine's decision to withhold details of the operation from Western allies was likely aimed at avoiding leaks and ensuring operational surprise.
In a related development, Ukraine’s parliament has voted to ban the Russian-linked Ukrainian Orthodox Church, citing its alleged support for Moscow's invasion. The ban, which Zelenskiy views as a step towards “spiritual independence,” has been condemned by Russia as “illegal.” The Russian Orthodox Church has expressed strong disapproval of the move, which follows a 2019 schism that led to the creation of an independent Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
The Kremlin has also criticized the presence of American journalists in Sudzha, accusing them of “provocative actions” and illegal entry into Russian territory. Russia’s foreign ministry has denounced the coverage by The Washington Post and CNN, labeling it as propaganda that misrepresents the situation in the conflict zone.
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