Ukrainian forces are tightening the noose around Russian forces on the Seim River; Putin orders the Ukrainian military be ousted from the Kursk region by October 1.

Ukrainian troops blew up all the bridges spanning the Seim River in the Glushkiv district of the Kursk region. This could cut off groups of Russian forces, as Ukrainian territory surrounds the district from the west and south. According to BILD, Ukrainian troops have only 2.6 km left to reach the Seim River and trap retreating Russian troops. The complete capture of the village of Koreneve would also eliminate another potential avenue for Russian retreat. About 3,000 Russian soldiers remain in the 700 square kilometers that are being threatened with encirclement. Whether Ukraine will be able to seize this 20 kilometer by 35 kilometer area depends on the amount of resources committed to the effort. As of August 20, the Ukrainian army controlled 93 settlements and 1,263 square kilometers of enemy territory. Meanwhile, President Putin has ordered his army to oust the Ukrainian Armed Forces from the Kursk region by October 1 without withdrawing forces from key areas in the Donbas, where the Russian offensive is ongoing.