According to Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the threats of retaliation from the Kremlin are simply a bluff. He claims that his country’s forces have now taken control of 90 settlements in the Kursk region along the Russian border.
Zelenskyy informed a group of diplomats that the troops have expanded over 1,250 square kilometers into Russia since the unexpected incursion two weeks ago. He stated that the goal was to weaken Moscow’s military capabilities and establish a buffer zone.
On Monday, he remarked, “We are witnessing a significant ideological shift – the naive, illusory concept of so-called red lines concerning Russia, which previously influenced some of our partners’ analysis of the conflict, has shattered in recent days.”
However, Zelenskyy’s assertions coincide with a mandatory evacuation order for families with children being implemented in the city of Pokrovsk in Ukraine‘s eastern Donetsk region.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Children evacuated from east Ukraine
The Russian forces have been steadily advancing towards the city in recent weeks.
If Pokrovsk is captured, it could compromise Kyiv’s ability to defend itself and its supply routes, bringing Russia closer to its goal of taking control of the entire Donetsk region in Ukraine.
People stand in line for evacuation train in Pokrovsk. Pic: AP
Officials state that approximately 53,000 individuals still reside in Pokrovsk.
Serhiy Dobriak, head of the local military administration, mentioned that up to 600 people are leaving the area daily and warned that basic services might be disrupted within a week as Russian forces inch closer, being only 10km (six miles) from the city’s outskirts.
Regional governor Vadym Filashkin declared a stricter curfew in neighboring settlements close to Pokrovsk due to the “very difficult” circumstances.
‘Battle of the bridges’
Meanwhile, Zelenskyy appealed to Western nations that provided long-range missiles to remove restrictions preventing their usage on military targets within Russia. This limitation was imposed to avoid breaching “red lines” set by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
He stated, “If our partners lifted the existing constraints on using arms within Russian territories, we wouldn’t need to physically enter the Kursk region to safeguard our border communities and eliminate Russia’s potential for aggression.”
For enhanced accessibility, use Chrome browser to view the video player
Is the battle of bridges beginning?
Additionally, Ukraine alleges that Ukrainian forces damaged a third bridge on the Seym River in the Kursk region.
There has been no official response from Ukraine regarding this assertion. If confirmed, it would mean that Russia only has one pontoon bridge left for troop transport, as pointed out by Sky News’ defense and security analyst Professor Michael Clarke.
Delve deeper into Sky News:
Ukrainian mortar team engaging Russian targets
Ukraine destroys vital Russian bridge
Putin supporter advocates for peace between Russia and Ukraine
A satellite image showing a collapsed bridge over the Seym river. Image credits: Planet Labs Inc/Reuters
Although this may not completely hinder Russia’s movements, it will definitely impede their ability to deploy reinforcements, leading to what Professor Clarke describes as an imminent “battle of the bridges”.
Over 121,000 individuals have been evacuated from nine border regions in the Kursk area, as reported by Russia’s emergencies ministry.
Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov stated that Moscow is not open to peace negotiations with Ukraine at this time, following the recent incident in Kursk.
On the other hand, Ukraine has set a condition for the complete withdrawal of Russian troops from its territory before engaging in any negotiations.
