Russia faces challenges in responding to Ukraine's incursion as advancing forces destroy critical infrastructure.

• Kyiv's incursion in Russia has led to the destruction of a second strategically-significant bridge in the Kursk region, according to Ukrainian forces.
• Moscow has yet to mount a robust response to the ambitious cross-border operation.
• Almost two weeks ago, a border raid began in Russian territory, with as many as 5,000 Ukrainian soldiers participating. Since then, Kyiv has claimed control over 82 settlements in a region covering 1,150 square kilometers (444 square miles).

Kyiv's incursion in Russia has led to the destruction of a second strategically-significant bridge in the Kursk region, according to Ukrainian forces, while Moscow has yet to respond with a robust counterattack.

Almost two weeks ago, a border raid began in Russian territory, with as many as 5,000 Ukrainian soldiers participating. Since then, Kyiv has claimed control over 82 settlements in a region covering 1,150 square kilometers (444 square miles).

In order to hinder Russia's ability to supply its troops in eastern and southern Ukraine, Ukrainian forces have focused their attacks on critical transportation and fuel facilities in Kursk.

Ukraine announced that its troops had destroyed a crucial bridge over the Seym river in Kursk, which was reportedly utilized for transporting equipment to the front line. Russian officials acknowledged the attack and stated that the bridge's destruction would impede efforts to evacuate thousands of people from Kursk.

On Saturday night, Russian oil depot in Rostov region was attacked by Ukrainian forces. Ukraine's General Staff stated that the attack aimed to weaken Russia's military and economic capabilities.

Lt Gen Mykola Oleschuk, the Ukrainian Air Force commander, remarked on Telegram, "One less bridge."

The air force of Ukraine is "continuing to deny the enemy logistical capabilities through precise aerial strikes, which significantly impacts the course of hostilities," as stated by the official.

The ongoing Ukrainian incursion into Kursk is forcing Russia to reallocate its forces from other parts of the war theater, according to defense analysts. The Institute for the Study of War think tank predicts that future phases of fighting in Russia will necessitate more Russian troops and resources being committed to the area.

Analysts from ISW stated on Sunday that the redeployment of Russian forces to Kursk has enabled them to slow the rapid advance of Ukrainian troops in the region and limit the scope of the Ukrainian offensive.

The Russian response in Kursk will likely involve more than just containment, as it is only the initial and least resource-intensive phase.

The ISW predicts that Russian forces will most likely launch a coordinated counterattack to reclaim territory seized by Ukrainian forces in Kursk Oblast, although it is currently unclear when Russian forces will completely halt Ukrainian advances in the region and take control of the battlefield.

The ISW stated that the Russian counteroffensive effort in Kursk will necessitate a significant increase in manpower, equipment, and materiel, and the exact amount required will depend on the strength of Ukraine's military defense in occupied positions.

'War potential'

On Sunday, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine's main objective was to eliminate "Russian military capability" and establish a "defensive zone" to safeguard its border areas from Russian aggression.

Our main objective in defensive operations is to destroy as much Russian military capability as possible and carry out maximum counterattacks. This includes establishing a safety zone on the aggressor's land – our operation in the Kursk region, as Zelenskyy stated in his nightly address.

The Ukrainian president stated that he received information about the situation in Kursk from Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi and mentioned that arming Ukrainian units in the Russian region was difficult.

He urged Western allies to expedite the transfer of weapons and ammunition promised in military aid packages to Ukraine.

"Our troops are performing exceptionally well in all areas. Nevertheless, we urgently require quicker delivery of supplies from our allies. We implore this. There are no holidays during war. Immediate decisions and timely logistics are necessary for the distribution of the announced aid packages," Zelenskyy stated.