kraine Strikes Critical Kursk Bridge, Possibly Trapping Russian Troops
In a significant development, Ukrainian forces have successfully targeted a crucial bridge in Russia’s Kursk region, potentially isolating thousands of Kremlin troops. This strike, which took place in broad daylight, has disrupted key military routes in the area, dealing a major blow to Russian forces near the Ukraine-Russia border.
Drone Footage Captures Precision Strike on Seym River Bridge
The attack on the reinforced concrete bridge, located near the village of Karyzh, was carried out by Ukraine’s tactical drone unit, Khorne Group. They released footage of the strike on September 8, showing the precision and power behind the operation.
The video revealed three successive strikes on the bridge’s central span, already damaged by previous Ukrainian attacks. The first two hits scattered cluster munitions, while the third detonated with a large explosion, making the bridge impassable to vehicles. According to reports, the bridge can now only be crossed on foot or by bicycle, marking a significant loss for Russian military logistics.
Ukraine’s Kursk Offensive: A Bold Push Into Russian Territory
This bridge attack is part of a larger offensive launched by Ukraine on August 6, targeting Russia’s Kursk region. In just over a month, Ukrainian forces have captured hundreds of Russian soldiers and secured a strategic foothold, controlling a stretch of land approximately 25 by 55 kilometers.
As Kyiv’s forces continue to advance, they have cut off key Russian supply lines. The Seym River, which runs through the region, has three major bridges, all of which have been heavily targeted by Ukrainian strikes. By August 20, two of the bridges had already been destroyed, leaving the Karyzh bridge as the last remaining crossing—until now.
Destruction of the Bridge: A Tactical Blow to Russian Forces
The recent destruction of the Karyzh bridge has likely left Russian troops trapped on the wrong side of the Seym River. Reports suggest that Russian forces in the area relied heavily on these bridges for supply routes and safe passage. With the last functioning bridge now destroyed, it’s possible that up to 3,000 Russian soldiers are stranded in a pocket of land, unable to retreat.
Russian engineers have reportedly attempted to build temporary pontoon bridges over the Seym since mid-August, but Ukrainian forces have destroyed these makeshift crossings as soon as they were discovered. The river, around 20 meters wide in this region, is too deep for wading, though small boats or swimming could offer alternative escape routes.
Ukraine’s Use of Precision Munitions
The precision and power of the strike have raised questions about the weapons used. The blast patterns seen in the footage resemble those caused by U.S.-supplied M30 GMLRS (Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System) rockets, though this hasn’t been officially confirmed. Ukraine has access to a range of munitions, including Soviet-era rockets and air-dropped bombs with cluster munitions provided by Western allies.
Earlier strikes on the Seym River bridges were reportedly carried out using U.S.-made HIMARS rocket systems, with Ukrainian intelligence providing targeting data. These high-precision weapons have played a crucial role in disrupting Russian logistics and isolating their troops.
What’s Next for Russian Forces in Kursk?
Although Ukraine’s military hasn’t commented directly on the status of the isolated Russian troops, they have confirmed that their Kursk offensive is moving forward as planned. Kyiv’s forces are advancing steadily, continuing to apply pressure on Russian defensive positions in the region.
Meanwhile, Russia’s Defense Ministry has claimed that their troops are holding stable defensive lines, despite the loss of key infrastructure. The destruction of all three Seym River bridges has significantly disrupted their ability to move troops and supplies in the area, leaving the future of Russian forces in Kursk uncertain.