Ukraine Rejects Russian Truce Offer around May 9 Parade, Launches Kursk Offensive

Ukraine has rejected Russia’s proposal for a ceasefire during the May 9 Victory Day celebrations and instead opened a new offensive in Russia’s Kursk region, according to Russian military sources and local channels on Monday.

The Ukrainian operation reportedly began with attacks toward two villages after striking a bridge over the Seim River, severing the main access route in the area. The offensive, confirmed by images and statements on Russian military Telegram channels, marks a shift in focus to the Glushkovsky district, around 60 kilometers west of previous clashes in the Sudzhansky district.

Russian sources said Ukrainian forces crossed from the village of Ryzhivka and advanced toward Tyotkino using infantry on all-terrain vehicles. Demining vehicles, including IMR-2 and UR-77 units, were mobilized from Bezsalivka to clear paths through Russian defenses. Reports indicated that Ukrainian forces were also clearing obstacles near Novy Put, about 17 kilometers east of Tyotkino.

In tandem with the ground assault, Ukrainian tactical aircraft reportedly struck a bridge over the Seim River at Zvannoye. Although that bridge had been destroyed last fall, it had been partially repaired, allowing limited traffic until the new airstrike. Russian military channels claim their troops continue to maintain access using pontoon crossings despite repeated bridge attacks.

Ahead of the assault, Russian troops reported intense Ukrainian artillery shelling near Tyotkino. Wet weather conditions, including rain, have hampered drone operations on both sides. Ukrainian forces have held the right bank of the Seim River near Tyotkino since August 2024, making use of its remote geography.

According to the Russian Arms Telegram channel, the initial wave of Ukrainian attacks and attempts to penetrate Russian defenses had failed. However, the channel said that Ukrainian forces were continuing preparations for further assaults and appeared to have sufficient reserves of equipment and manpower. The report added that Ukrainian troops were using heavy firepower to target Russian logistics in an effort to isolate the combat zone.

The Telegram channel assessed that Ukraine’s goal was likely to advance toward Glushkovo and block supply lines from Vremennoye. It also mentioned that Ukrainian forces were preparing in other rear areas and maneuvering units along the border to keep Russian defenses off balance. Additionally, the channel reported a strike on an electrical substation in Rylsk using a 227-mm GMLRS rocket from the HIMARS system, which left the city without power.

As of now, Russian authorities have not issued any official statement on the full impact or scope of the latest Ukrainian operations.