Ukraine plans to establish a Kursk "buffer zone," according to Zelensky, while Kyiv’s forces have demolished a second Russian bridge.

 On Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that Ukraine's military incursion into Kursk is designed to establish a "buffer zone" to thwart cross-border attacks from Moscow’s forces. This announcement came as Ukrainian troops successfully destroyed a second bridge in the Russian border region.

Ukrainian forces have been advancing slowly in Kursk amid ongoing combat since the surprise military operation began nearly two weeks ago. Meanwhile, Ukraine is facing increased pressure in the east, where Russian forces are advancing towards a crucial military hub.

The Kursk offensive has put Russia on the defensive, struggling to secure its own territory. Kyiv appears to have multiple objectives with this operation, including bolstering morale after a challenging few months and stretching Russia's resources. A Ukrainian presidential aide mentioned that the incursion is aimed at ensuring a "fair" negotiation process.

For the first time, Zelensky detailed the strategic goals of the operation, stating, “Our primary task in defensive operations is to dismantle as much of Russia’s war potential as possible and conduct maximum counteroffensive actions.”

He elaborated that these goals include “creating a buffer zone on the aggressor’s territory.” Zelensky emphasized that any actions causing losses to the Russian military, state, military-industrial complex, and economy help prevent the war from spreading and bring Ukraine closer to a just resolution to the aggression.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reported that Kyiv’s foothold in Kursk is "strengthening," with troops solidifying their positions. Kyiv claims to control nearly 1,000 square kilometers (approximately 621 square miles) of Russian territory. Both Russia and Ukraine are urging residents to evacuate from areas experiencing intense fighting.

In efforts to weaken Moscow’s logistical capabilities and disrupt supply routes, Ukrainian forces announced on Sunday that they had destroyed another bridge over the Seym River in the Kursk region using “precision airstrikes.”

Ukrainian Air Force commander Lt. Gen. Mykola Oleshchuk stated in a social media post, accompanied by a video showing smoke enveloping the bridge, that “the Air Force continues to target the enemy’s logistics capabilities with precision airstrikes, significantly impacting the course of combat operations.”

This attack follows the destruction of a previous bridge over the Seym just two days earlier. Russia’s foreign ministry claimed that Western rockets, likely US-made HIMARS, were used in that strike.

The High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) has become a critical asset for Ukraine, significantly aiding in reclaiming territory from Russia.

On Sunday, the Ukrainian monitoring group DeepState reported additional progress in Kursk, sharing a still image and video, verified by CNN, showing a Ukrainian Defense Forces tank in Olgovka, approximately 20 kilometers (12 miles) north of Sudzha.

Ukrainian military officials confirmed that Kyiv’s forces captured Sudzha last week and have since established a military commandant’s office there.

On Sunday, the Ukrainian armed forces released a video showing what they identified as "Sivalka" flamethrower systems actively engaged in combat operations in the Kursk region.

In response to the territorial losses in Kursk, Russia appears to have redeployed several thousand troops from the front lines in occupied Ukraine.

Residents who fled the area due to the fighting have been advised against returning. 

Marina Degtyareva, head of Kursk’s Korenevsky district, stated, “The operational situation in our district remains complex. Some individuals are attempting to return home, which is obstructing our military’s efforts.” She emphasized that returning to the area is currently unsafe and could lead to severe consequences.

Degtyareva assured that authorities will notify residents when it is safe to return and urged patience, saying, “I appeal to all residents of Korenevsky district to be patient and allow our military to handle the situation without interference.”

Russian forces have reached the outskirts of the key city of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region, even as Kyiv continues its push further into Kursk. Pokrovsk is a crucial hub for the Ukrainian military due to its proximity to Kostiantynivka, another vital military center. The road linking these two towns is essential for resupplying front lines and evacuating casualties.

Serhii Dobriak, head of the Pokrovsk city military administration, reported on Sunday that Russian forces are now within 11 kilometers (7 miles) of the town’s edge. “The town is preparing for the advance,” he said. “Each town in the Donetsk region has a dedicated combat unit, and defense plans are in place. We are collaborating with the military to fortify the area. This is an ongoing effort.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky noted that Ukrainian units are making every effort to maintain their positions amidst numerous attacks on the Donetsk front lines.

The evacuation of civilians from Pokrovsk has been expedited due to the advancing Russian troops. In the past week alone, nearly 1,800 residents have been evacuated, a significant increase from the previous rate of 450-500 people per month.

“The Russians are destroying our towns and villages and killing civilians,” Dobriak said. “We need to prioritize safety and evacuation. The town is currently being targeted by missiles, MLRS, and guided aerial bombs.”

On Sunday, Ukraine’s Vice Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk urged residents of Pokrovsk and other settlements close to the front line to evacuate to safer areas. 

Vereshchuk acknowledged the difficulty of leaving behind jobs, homes, and property but emphasized that "the lives and health of you and your children are more valuable." She added that staying in the area could impede the work of the defense forces.

Meanwhile, intense fighting continues around the villages of Pivnichne and Zalizne in Donetsk, located about 64 kilometers (40 miles) east of Pokrovsk. The Ukrainian General Staff reported that Russian forces launched a “massive assault” in the area on Sunday morning.