Bild: Thousands Of Russian Soldiers Find Themselves In Stalemate Situation

• 20.08.2024, 10:41

They have only two options left, but both are fatal.

Ukraine is close to closing the ‘mousetrap’ on the river Seim in Kursk region, up to 3000 Russian soldiers may find themselves encircled there. This is written by Bild analyst Julian Röpke.

Bild reminds that since August 16, Ukrainian troops have started blowing up bridges over the Seim River in the north of Glushkovo district of Kursk region. This could cut off the Russian Armed Forces grouping, as the area is surrounded by Ukrainian territory from the west and south. Russia is responding by organising pontoon crossings and an air bridge and defending the remaining passage in the east.

‘The day before, the AFU captured the villages of Snagost and Apanasovka there, and they are 5 kilometres away from the Seim River and closing the ‘mousetrap’. At the same time, according to Ukrainian data, from 2 to 3 thousand Russian soldiers are still inside the mousetrap,’ writes the publication.

As Röpke writes, the state border between Russia and Ukraine in the south and west of the mousetrap is prepared for defence, but it will be difficult for the Russians to defend themselves if the AFU advance from the east. In addition, the Ukrainians have already crossed the border in the west and have taken control of a small section of Russian territory of 15 square kilometres up to the Seim River; the farm Otruba is located there.

‘The Russians now have a simple choice: either fight and defend this territory, or retreat. Apparently, both options are fatal for them,’ Röpke said.

He notes, however, that this battle is not decisive, as it is not known how much strength Ukraine has left.