Ukrainian military forces have reportedly struck a third bridge in the Kursk region of Russia, part of their strategy to disrupt supply routes following their incursion. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on allies to enable the use of their long-range weapons for deeper strikes into Russia.

Moscow has confirmed the damage from a Ukrainian assault on another bridge over the Seym River, located in an area where conflict has erupted since Ukraine launched its unexpected incursion on August 6. While Kyiv has not commented specifically on this latest incident, a commander has acknowledged the attacks on the first two bridges.

In comments made during a meeting with Ukraine’s foreign diplomats in Dnipro, Zelenskyy noted that Ukrainian forces have secured control over 92 settlements and gained more than 480 square miles in the Kursk region, leading to nearly 200,000 Russians being displaced.

Despite Moscow reallocating troops from other fronts to defend Kursk, President Vladimir Putin has yet to mount a significant response to this major invasion, which is the largest to hit Russia since World War II. Zelenskyy indicated that this lack of response should alleviate fears that supplying Ukraine with long-range weaponry may provoke further aggression from Putin.

“Putin’s reaction to the Kursk operation shows there’s no justifiable reason to deny us effective long-range capabilities,” Zelenskyy stated. “Given the situation on the Donetsk front, delaying our partners’ support in this regard unintentionally bolsters Russia’s offensive capabilities.”

He further explained that the absence of these capabilities is the only barrier to halting Russian advances on the front lines. Russia has gained control of approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory in the east since the conflict began, and Zelenskyy noted that the Kursk incursion aims to establish a “buffer zone” against attacks from Moscow.

“If our partners would ease the restrictions on employing weapons against targets in Russia,” he added, “we could protect our border communities without having to physically enter the Kursk region.”

Updates:

∎ The Ukrainian military is facing intense pressure as they fend off Russian advances near Pokrovsk, a key transportation hub. Local military leader Serhiy Dobriak reported that Russian forces have advanced to within six miles of the city.

∎ Denmark has announced that it will send its 20th military aid package to Ukraine, valued at $115 million, which is said to assist in the ongoing battles in the Kursk region, according to the Kyiv Independent.

No Peace Talks Scheduled, But Pro-Russian Conditions Remain

The Ukrainian offensive in Kursk is likely to hinder any peace negotiations, which were already stalled. However, it won’t compel Putin to withdraw his recent proposition to end the war, according to presidential aide Yuri Ushakov.

Ushakov mentioned that this unexpected cross-border operation, which has embarrassed the Russian military, would indefinitely freeze any negotiations, the timeframe of which would depend on future battlefield developments.

In June, Putin indicated that the conflict would conclude if Ukraine renounced its goal to join NATO and accepted Russia’s claims over four eastern provinces, a proposal that Ukraine rejected outright.

Ushakov confirmed that those conditions remain in play, “But at this point, it would be completely inappropriate to engage in any negotiation.”

Modi of India to Visit Kyiv After Embracing Putin

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has maintained Russian oil imports amid the conflict despite Western disapproval, is set to visit Kyiv on Friday, as confirmed by Zelenskyy’s office.

This visit marks the first by an Indian leader to Ukraine since both nations established diplomatic relations over 30 years ago and is being hailed by India’s foreign ministry as “landmark and historic.”

Modi’s upcoming visit is seen as an attempt to balance relations, especially after he faced significant backlash for his embrace of Putin during a visit to Moscow on July 8-9, which coincided with an attack on a Ukrainian children’s hospital. Modi’s earlier neutral stance on the war implied criticism of Putin’s actions.

Tanmay Lal, India’s foreign secretary for the West, stated, “This visit is crucial and is expected to enhance our collaboration across various sectors,” adding that the war will be a significant topic of discussion.

“Enduring peace can only be achieved through options that are satisfactory for both parties,” Lal remarked. “And it must come through a negotiated settlement.”