Ukraine aims to cut off Russian troops

The Ukrainian military has in recent days bombed three bridges in the Kursk region of Russia and may be close to surrounding Russian troops defending the area, military analysts said.

The attacks on the bridges — the only route for retreat or resupply in the area between the Seym River and the border with Ukraine — add another challenge to a Russian Army caught off guard by Ukraine’s incursion, which has been underway now for two weeks. It is unclear how many Russian soldiers remain in the area.

Analysis: President Volodymyr Zelensky is hoping to use captured Russian territory as leverage in future peace talks, but it’s a risky bet. Russians who know President Vladimir Putin expect him to lash out in response, believing that his military has the upper hand.