Volodymyr Zelensky has revealed for the first time that the objective of Ukraine’s operation in Kursk is to create a buffer zone.

The Ukrainian President had previously said that the purpose of the invasion, which was launched on August 6, was to protect communities in the bordering Sumy region from constant shelling.

“It is now our primary task in defensive operations overall - to destroy as much Russian war potential as possible and conduct maximum counteroffensive actions,” Mr Zelensky said on Sunday evening.

“This includes creating a buffer zone on the aggressor’s territory - our operation in the Kursk region.”

Ukraine’s armed forces claimed on Sunday it had destroyed a key bridge over the Seym River in Kursk, which is used to supply Russian forces. The bridge was the second attacked by Ukraine since Friday.

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