Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed on Sunday that the recent incursion into Russia’s Kursk region is designed to create a buffer zone and prevent further attacks from Moscow across the border.
This statement, marking the first clear declaration of the operation’s goal since its launch on August 6, contrasts with earlier mentions of protecting the Sumy region from shelling.
In his address, Zelenskyy emphasized that the operation’s primary focus is to diminish Russian military capability and intensify counteroffensive actions, including establishing a buffer zone within Kursk.
Over the weekend, Ukraine destroyed a key bridge and damaged a second bridge in Kursk, disrupting Russian supply lines and complicating Moscow’s defense efforts, though pontoons and smaller bridges remain available.
Ukrainian forces reportedly struck a second bridge near Zvannoe, leaving only one functional bridge in the area, according to Russian sources.
These attacks further hinder Russia’s ability to resupply and evacuate civilians.
