Ukraine blasts bridges, digs in to hold Kursk gains
Ukraine destroyed a second key bridge in Russia's Kursk region


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.
Who said what
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.
What next?
The Kursk incursion has "humiliated Russia's military and demonstrated Ukraine's resilience, but has not altered the fundamental situation in a long, grinding war of attrition," The Washington Post said. The "good news" for Ukraine is that Russia is transferring troops from the frontline to fight in Kursk, the BBC said. "The bad news is that Russian advances" in eastern Ukraine "are not slowing."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
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.
-
Arms for Ukraine and an ultimatum for Russia
Feature Donald Trump reverses course, sending weapons to Ukraine and threatening Russia with tariffs
-
'Singling out crypto for special scrutiny would be misguided'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
-
Melania Trump's intervention on Ukraine
In The Spotlight The first lady has been linked to the president's U-turn on sending arms to Kyiv
-
Ukraine: Trump's mixed messages
Feature Trump reverses a Pentagon freeze on Patriot missiles to Ukraine as Russia ramps up air attacks
-
Death from above: Drones upend rules of war in Ukraine
Feature The world's militaries are paying close attention to drone use in the Russia-Ukraine war
-
Is the Trump-Putin bromance over... again?
Today's Big Question The US president has admitted he's 'p*ssed off' with his opposite number
-
'The risk to educational media for children has seemingly been lost'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
-
Court allows National Guard in LA as Dodgers repel feds
Speed Read The team said they 'denied entry' to ICE agents seeking to enter their stadium