Ukrainian Forces Hit All 3 Bridges Over Seym River

Ukrainian forces have struck all three bridges over the Seym River in Russia's Kursk region, a move that has slowed Russian responses and altered the war's dynamic. Kyiv's incursion into western Russia, now in its third week, represents the first attack on Russian soil since World War II. Satellite images confirmed a destroyed bridge in Glushkovo, with Russian sources acknowledging one bridge fully destroyed and two damaged.

Ukraine's advance in Kursk aims to trap Russian forces and create a buffer zone to prevent future attacks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky highlighted the capture of 1,250 square kilometers and 92 settlements since the offensive began on August 6. He also said Russians are being taken prisoner in hopes of swapping them for Ukrainian POWs. This incursion has also led to casualties and the displacement of some 122,000 people by Russia's count, with Russian state media reporting 17 deaths and 140 injuries.

In other developments, a massive fire at an oil depot in Proletarsk, allegedly caused by Ukrainian drones, continues to blaze. Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Ukraine of trying to destabilize Russia and vowed retribution, stating, "We will punish the criminals. There can be no doubt about that." (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)