Russia’s foreign ministry has accused Ukraine of using Western-made rockets, specifically US-made HIMARS, to destroy a bridge over the Seym River in the Kursk region. The attack reportedly killed volunteers who were assisting in the evacuation of civilians. Maria Zakharova, a spokeswoman for the Russian foreign ministry, made the allegation on Telegram late Friday, asserting that the bridge in the Glushkovo district was completely destroyed in the strike.
Ukrainian Advances and Regional Conflict
On the same day, Ukrainian army chief Oleksandr Syrskyi reported that Kyiv’s forces had made advances of between 1 and 3 kilometers (0.6 to 1.9 miles) in parts of the Kursk region, following the start of their incursion into Russian territory 11 days ago. Since August 6, Ukrainian forces claim to have taken control of 82 settlements over an area of 1,150 square kilometers (440 square miles). However, Reuters has not independently verified these claims.
International Reactions and US Involvement
Russia has accused the West of supporting Ukraine’s offensive, labeling it a “terrorist invasion” that will not alter the course of the war. In response, the United States has defended the use of American weaponry in the conflict, stating that it cannot allow Russian President Vladimir Putin to achieve victory in the war that began in February 2022. US officials view Ukraine’s surprise incursion as a defensive measure justifying the use of advanced weaponry.