Russia’s foreign ministry has accused Ukraine of using Western-supplied rockets, possibly U.S.-made HIMARS, to destroy a bridge over the Seym River in the Kursk region, resulting in the deaths of volunteers aiding in civilian evacuations.
Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian foreign ministry, stated on Telegram that “Western-made rocket launchers, likely American HIMARS, were used for the first time to strike the Kursk region.” She reported that the attack completely destroyed the bridge in the Glushkovo district, tragically killing volunteers who were assisting with the evacuation of civilians.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian military chief Oleksandr Syrskyi announced that Ukrainian forces have advanced between 1 and 3 kilometers (0.6 to 1.9 miles) in certain areas within the Kursk region since the start of their incursion into Russia 11 days ago. Kyiv claims to have seized control of 82 settlements across an area of 1,150 square kilometers (440 square miles) in the region since August 6.
Russia has accused Western nations of supporting and encouraging Ukraine’s first ground offensive on Russian soil, labeling Kyiv’s actions as a “terrorist invasion” that will not alter the course of the conflict.
The United States, which has stated that it cannot allow Russian President Vladimir Putin to win the war initiated in February 2022, has described Ukraine’s surprise incursion as a defensive action that justifies the use of U.S. weaponry, according to Washington officials.