Ukraine's incursion into Russia's Kursk region has led to the destruction of two key bridges over the Seym River, significantly disrupting Russian supply routes. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that the primary aim of this operation is to create a 'buffer zone' to prevent further Russian attacks and to strain Russia's logistical capabilities. Despite heavy fighting, satellite images show considerable damage to facilities and infrastructure, including a critical gas transit hub at Sudzha, though gas flow to Europe remains unaffected for now. The International Atomic Energy Agency has raised concerns over safety at a Russian-occupied nuclear power plant in southern Ukraine following a nearby drone strike. Russia's response has included increased missile and UAV attacks on Kyiv, with Ukrainian air defenses reportedly holding strong. Western countries, notably the UK and Germany, continue to support Ukraine, although there are hesitations regarding the use of supplied weapons on Russian soil.