Ukrainian Forces Strike Russian Pontoon Bridges with US Missiles in Kursk

Ukrainian special forces have released footage purportedly showing the destruction of pontoon bridges in Russia's Kursk region using US-made missiles. The attacks, part of Ukraine's ongoing counter-offensive, target Russian supply lines and aim to demoralize enemy troops.

The video showcases a series of strikes in the Russian border area, including HIMARS rockets hitting the bridges. Ukrainian military officials claim the operation resulted in the destruction of crucial Russian equipment, field ammunition, fuel depots, a radio-electronic warfare complex, and a 152-mm D-20 gun.

For the first time, Kyiv has acknowledged the use of US-made weapons in its Kursk incursion. A Ukrainian special forces statement read, "Where are the Russian pontoons disappearing [to] in the Kursk Region? Special Operations Forces operators, together with units of the Defense Forces of Ukraine, are effectively destroying them."

The attacks come in the wake of Ukraine's destruction of three key bridges along the River Seym last weekend near Glushkovo, Zvan, and Karyzh. The final bridge near Karyzh was demolished on Sunday, severely limiting Russia's options for transporting supplies across the water. This strategic move could help Ukraine consolidate its control over recently gained territory in the Kursk region.

Ukraine's top general reported that their forces have advanced 28-35 km (17-22 miles) into the Kursk border region, capturing over 90 settlements since launching the operation nearly two weeks ago. This progress is part of a broader counter-offensive that includes drone strikes against key Russian targets.

"It's clear that as the enemy retreats, they haven't ensured the proper function of all military systems, while the Ukrainian Armed Forces are effectively utilising resources to cut off the Russians' logistical routes."

The ongoing conflict has seen an increase in drone warfare, with both sides employing unmanned aerial vehicles for reconnaissance and strikes. On Wednesday, Moscow experienced what its mayor described as "one of the largest" drone attacks since the war began in February 2022. Additionally, a military base in southern Russia, believed to house fuel and glide bombs, was targeted by a Ukrainian drone strike overnight on Thursday.

As the situation develops, the use of foreign-supplied weapons, particularly US-made HIMARS, in the conflict continues to have significant geopolitical implications. The Ukrainian Special Operations Forces, officially established in 2016, have played a crucial role in these recent operations, demonstrating their growing capabilities in modern warfare.