Ukraine has been intensifying its efforts to disrupt Russian military logistics by targeting vital infrastructure in Kursk Oblast.
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) reported that Ukrainian forces have successfully destroyed multiple road and pontoon bridges over the Seym River, significantly impacting Russian supply lines.
These strikes come as part of a broader strategy to weaken Russia’s military capabilities in the region during its ongoing counteroffensive.
Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine – 14 September 2024.
Ukraine continue to hamper Russian logistics in the Kursk region in a series of strikes which destroyed road and pontoon bridges over the Seym river.#StandWithUkraine 🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/C8VgcAHmXQ
— Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) September 14, 2024
The Seym River, which runs through Kursk Oblast in southwestern Russia, serves as a critical artery for Russian logistics. With bridges now rendered unusable, Russia’s ability to transport troops, weapons, and supplies has been severely hampered.
This could not have come at a worse time for Russia, as it launches a series of counterattacks in an attempt to dislodge Ukrainian forces holding positions within Russian territory.
Ukraine’s strikes on infrastructure are not isolated incidents but part of a larger operation that began in August 2024, when Ukrainian forces made a bold incursion into Kursk Oblast. Initially catching Russian forces off guard, the lightning-fast operation saw Ukrainian troops gain control over significant territory.
Despite Russia’s attempts to regain lost ground, the destruction of these bridges now adds to its logistical headaches, leaving Moscow scrambling to repair the damaged infrastructure.
Russia has made several efforts to construct new bridges in the area, but Ukraine’s continued bombardment is proving to be a persistent obstacle. The destruction of these key crossings is a calculated move, designed to limit Russia’s ability to maintain its foothold in the region.
Was the Kursk move a ploy to get the Russians to counter attack …BUT they had a plan to destroy the Russian logistics and thus cause more Russian casualties/loss of materiel??
If the main Russian supply route was via river crossings, it would be more vulnerable to disruption.
AA
“ Was the Kursk move a ploy to get the Russians to counter attack”
I’d say that was a relatively obvious play on Putin’s sporting on about defending the Motherland. They were bound to counter attack.
So I’m hoping for two things.
– that the Ukrainians are shaking the next part of the battle and guiding the Russians into a huge trap. Mainly to mash up a load more of Mad Vlad’s military antiques road show.
– that it becomes clear where the Russians have withdrawn from, due to Uk/USA Elint and the Ukrainians go in heavy there.
Unfortunately it seems the Russians withdrew from places like Kaliningrad, which might be a bit hard for the ZSU to hit.
Would be such a shame if the rail bridges to Kaliningrad had another smoking accident?
I think the aim is to draw Russian forces away from the Pokrovsk or Kupiansk fronts.
Do the west want Ukraine to win?
Would that be seen as an existential threat to Russia?
If so how would the Russians react?
What’s the definition of win?
I think Ukraine’s win is Russian withdrawal from all of Ukraine, with perhaps discussions over Crimea. Putin’s loss of face, which could well be an existential loss for him personally, comes even if Russia is allowed to keep certain areas, such as part of the Donbas, if they don’t also get to keep the so-called Crimean land bridge. The thicker the salami slice, the longer Putin remains. I’m not sure what Putin can sell as a win, but I think the loss of the South with water rights for Crimea would be next to impossible after it has been held for so long. Even Zelensky left in power would be a tough one. So there is no middle ground where Putin likely survives what Zelensky would call a win.
Putin either has to win or retire “ill” to physically survive. He can’t allow Russia to be beaten.
However, even a full win for Ukraine isn’t existential for Russia the country. I don’t believe anyone in the West is rooting for Ukraine to march on Moscow. When will Putin consider it serious enough to first use nukes? Will he be obeyed? I don’t know. I suspect Russia is close to the limit on grey-zone warfare, but hasn’t yet reached it, so more cyber attacks, more overseas assassinations, more undersea cables sabotaged, etc.