yacht radiant owner

Emirati billionaire’s $300 million superyacht is a floating palace and a fortress – Longer than a football field, the vessel is fitted with sonic guns that fire ear drum splitting soundwaves, a military water cannon, and a personal “escape launch” speedboat.

You may also like

Built by more than 4,000 people in 4 years, Azzam is the largest superyacht in the world. The $600 million vessel is as fast as a navy frigate and burns 13 tons of fuel every 60 mins. Owned by the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi it is so massive you can practice golf inside it.

While the US government is very keen to seize the lavish $325 million mega yacht Amadea. The lawyers of the sanctioned oligarch Suleiman Kerimov are saying that the authorities cannot capture the vessel as it belongs to a different billionaire.

Lady Petra superyacht is displayed at the 2012 Monaco Yacht Show

Bugatti made a Chiron inspired yacht and you have to see it to believe it

Bugatti of the high seas – This $90 million luxury catamaran cuts through the water at 50 knots and is powered by hydrogen

Meet the most glamorous member of America’s wealthiest family, the Waltons. Heir to the $225 billion Walmart fortune, the stunning Kelly Rohrbach once walked the runway for Victoria’s Secret, reincarnated CJ Parker in the movie Baywatch and even dated Leonardo Di Caprio.

A look at disgraced billionaire Elizabeth Holmes’ secret links to China – The Theranos CEO was a Mandarin-speaking prodigy and she met her ex-boyfriend Ramesh Balwani in Beijing

With a father like this, Elon Musk does not need enemies – Errol Musk does not drive a Tesla. He states Elon is an underachiever and he is disappointed with his centibillionaire son.

This Formula One-inspired sports tender concept is a Bugatti of the boating world

Search in Sur in English

• Marbella - San Pedro
• Estepona - Manilva
• Mijas - Fuengirola
• Benalmadena - Torremolinos
• Malaga City
• Guadalhorce Valley
• Food & Drink
• www.surinenglish.com
• Print Edition
• Classifieds Ads
• Business Guide

Who owns the 270-million-euro megayacht with a helicopter landing pad that is docked in Malaga port?

The luxury vessel, which can accommodate up to 20 guests with a crew of 44, is also armed with a powerful water cannon, designed to defend against pirate attacks.

Ignacio Lillo

Monday, 15 July 2024, 16:34 | Updated 16:39h.

Opciones para compartir

Copiar enlace

X (antes Twitter)

One of the world's most luxurious megayachts has made a return visit to the marina for top-end craft in the Port of Malaga. The 110-metre vessel named Radiant is making another brief stopover this week at the mooring area on Muelle Uno. It will be easy to spot, with a helicopter located on its upper deck.

The megayacht has previously visited the city at the end of March, making this its second visit in four months. At the time, it made headlines as it was forced to moor in the dock attached to the Dique de Levante (ADL), and it was the first occasion on which the IGY marina was completely full to capacity in its short history.

The Radiant is a super luxury yacht which can accommodate up to 20 guests in nine rooms, including a master suite and two VIP suites. Among the highlights of her design are the panoramic windows, with spectacular views of the seascape. A total of 44 people make up the crew.

Whose is it?

The top-end craft is owned by Abdullah al Futtaim, a billionaire businessman and owner of the Dubai-based Al Futtaim Group, which is active in retail, automotive, technology and real estate. The conglomerate has more than 65 companies and employs more than 20,000 people in the Middle East.

An unusual feature is that this vessel is equipped with a powerful water cannon, designed to defend against pirate attacks. It is also equipped with two diesel engines, enabling it to reach a top speed of 21 knots and a cruising speed of 16 knots. Radiant has a range of at least 6,000 nautical miles for long-distance sailing.

• 1 Costa del Sol town declares war on dog pee and 'uncivilised owners'
• 2 Carmen Thyssen museum in Malaga hosts 'groundbreaking' initiative on evolution of digital art
• 3 Costa del Sol bus service staff plan strike to coincide with town's annual fair after a 'chaotic' summer
• 4 Costa del Sol osteopathy clinic investigated for allegedly operating without correct authorisation
• 5 Transport union confirms bus strike will go ahead during Malaga town's annual fair
• 6 Vélez-Málaga gets ready to honour San Miguel during annual 'feria'
• 7 Couple wed by 'Elvis' in Las Vegas use Costa del Sol party to benefit local dementia support group
• 8 Guardians of nature and the environment enlighten Costa Press Club members
• 9 Costa del Sol museum remembers American artist Robert Harvey
• 10 Cousins discover ancestral connection between Malaga and Hawaii

Necesitas ser suscriptor para poder responder.

Necesitas ser suscriptor para poder votar.

Reporta un error en esta noticia

* Campos obligatorios

A Closer Look at the $320 Million Superyacht “Radiant”

In the world of superyachts, one of the most expensive and lavish ships in the world is the Radiant. As of 2018, it was the sixth most expensive yacht in the world and it’s one that is boardable by invitation only. If you’re as intrigued as we are about this floating luxury vessel, here are the details about what makes the Radiant so highly valued .

The history of the Radiant

The Radiant was originally built as a commissioned vessel ordered by Boris Berezovsky, who is a Russian media magnate. His intention was to have a superyacht built that would outshine the yacht owned by his enemy Roman Abramovich, who was the owner of the Pelorus. This gives us the back story that inspired the specifications of the luxury yacht that was intended to be one of the most glorious yachts to float the seas. The construction code name for the yacht was Darius with the first name to replace the code name as Radiant. The naval architect and builder of the ship is the German shipbuilder Lurssen, and she was launched in 2009 under the Cayman Islands flag . The Radiant was sold by Berezovsky to its current owner, Abdulla Al Futtaim. He hails from the United Arab Emirates and made billions of dollars in the car dealership industry.

Specifications of the Radiant

The Radiant was built with an aluminum superstructure and a strong steel hull. The total length is 360 feet and 10 inches which qualifies it as a superyacht. the beam is 53 ft and 5 inches and the draft is 14 ft 9 inches. The deck material is teak wood. The exterior of the Radiant was designed by Tim Heywood with the intention of making the beam large to provide for an ultra spacious luxury interior. The interior design is provided by Glen pushelberg of Terence Disdale Design. The ship launched in April of 2009 and was delivered to its Russian owner in 2010.

Power of this motor yacht

The tonnage of the Radiant is 5027 tonnes. She is powered by an 8715 horsepower MTU, 16 V 1163 TB73L diesel engine. The maximum speed of the ship is 21 knots. She is also equipped with zero speed stabilizers for the ultimate in guest comfort when the ship is docked, even in rough seas.

The amenities and equipment of the Radiant

We attempted to discover how many cabins were built into the Radiant, but this information is not readily available. It is our assumption that the configuration of the interior may have changed from one owner to another as it is standard practice to make changes to suit the personal tastes and preferences when it changes hands. When it comes to passenger capacity, the Radiant has accepted between 16 to 20 guests aboard. We also assume that there is a crew size of approximately 44 hands for the daily maintenance and operational needs of a craft this size. What we do know is that there are some sweet amenities on board. The Radiant features a helipad so guests and VIPs can easily gain access or leave the vessel, and this also comes in handy in the event of a medical emergency. There is also a cinema for the entertainment of guests, a gymnasium, a spa and jacuzzi for relaxation and a garage to store the tenders. There is also a swimming platform, swimming pools, a beach club, air conditioning and a massage room on board.

Safety equipment

The Radiant is equipped with a state of the art personal protection and security system that is unlike most other defense systems. The comprehensive system includes a barrage of sonic guns that have the capacity to burst the eardrums of any unwelcomed guests such as hijackers or other types of attackers. The yacht is also armed with a series of water cannons that can hurl jets of water that could sink a smaller boat form up to 100 yards from the vessel. A special escape pod has been designed with a speedboat to carry the occupants of the boat to safety if all other measures of protection and security fail. (www.businessinsider.com/most-expensive-yachts-2014-9#6-radiant-is-worth-320-million-5). These safety and protection measures were instituted at the insistence of Berezovsky and the speedboat can reach 75 knots or better. The man who commissioned the building of the Radiant was taking no chances when it came to his personal safety and that of his guests.

Final thoughts

The Radiant remains one of the most expensive and lavish luxury yachts in the world today. It’s the sister of the Dilbar, another highly ranking vessel in the collection and the ship was initially built to go one better and deliver a yacht which was superior to the yacht of the commissioning owner’s rival, which was the Pelorus. One-upmanship was the passion that was behind the design and ultimate building of this $320 million dollar superyacht, which commands the attention of onlookers at whatever port it is docked. If you’re fortunate enough to be one of the invited guests out of the 16 or 20 the ship is intended to accommodate, you will be aboard one of the safest and most secure yacht on the seas and there are a couple of different ways for you to escape if an emergency takes place. From the teak decks to the lavish design features of the interior of this seaworthy paradise, the Radiant is among the most expensive and admired vessels in the world today. Of course, both owners just happen to be billionaires several times over, but it’s nice, sometimes, to see how the other half lives.

Allen Lee is a Toronto-based freelance writer who studied business in school but has since turned to other pursuits. He spends more time than is perhaps wise with his eyes fixed on a screen either reading history books, keeping up with international news, or playing the latest releases on the Steam platform, which serve as the subject matter for much of his writing output. Currently, Lee is practicing the smidgen of Chinese that he picked up while visiting the Chinese mainland in hopes of someday being able to read certain historical texts in their original language.

Similar Posts

How Tecnomar and The Italian Sea Group Are Changing The Yachting Industry

Tecnomar has its roots in Viareggio, Italy, and started in 1987. The company started building boats at no more than 20 meters as well as yachts were sought after for their innovation as well as…

The Top 20 Celebrity Yachts in The World

When you think of a luxury yacht, you probably think of a celebrity on it, because after all, luxury yachts are for the rich and famous, and they are both. Yachts come in different sizes and…

A Closer Look at Nicolas Cage’s Yacht Sarita

When money is of no concern, the rich and famous have the luxury of spending their money however they wish. While some focus on investing in property or they travel the world with their earnings,…

A Closer Look at Steven Spielberg’s Yacht Seven Seas

Few names in Hollywood can compare to Steven Spielberg. The mention of this award-winning filmmaker’s name alone brings about memories of some of the industry’s best movies including Jaws, Indiana Jones, Schindler’s List, Lincoln, Ready…

Five Incredible Yacht Designs by Espen Oeino

Espen Oeino is one of the most prominent designers in the luxury yacht industry. A yacht on its own is impressive, but Oeino manages to turn the cruisers into veritable works of art. Espen Oeino…

Five of the Finest Vicem Yachts in the World

Vicem Yatchs made their first mark in the industry in 1991, and more than twenty years later have produced at least 150 yachts to become one of the leading manufacturers of classic luxury motor yachts….

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

SuRi Yacht – The Amazing $45M – Superyacht

The Best Yacht Concepts From Around The World

The Stunning Ritz Carlton EVRIMA Yacht

Gliding Across Tokyo’s Sumida River: The Mesmerizing Zipper Boat

• Zuretti Interior Design
• Zuretti Interior
• Zuccon International Project
• Ziyad al Manaseer
• Zaniz Interiors. Kutayba Alghanim
• Yuriy Kosiuk
• Yuri Milner
• Yersin Yacht

• Superyachts

RADIANT Yacht – Masterful $300M Superyacht

Delivered to her owner, businessman from the United Arab Emirates, in 2009, RADIANT yacht is a 110-metre (260.1 ft) luxury yacht.

She is currently the 38th largest yacht in the world, closely followed by KAOS, AL RAYA and ANNA, who have the same lengths.

RADIANT yacht interior

The interior of the RADIANT yacht was designed by Glen Pushelberg, who co-founded the high-profile studio Yabu Pushelberg.

Their portfolio mainly consists of boutiques and expensive hotels, although they have worked on several luxury yachts in recent years.

The interior layout and design of RADIANT have been kept a secret from the public although it is rumored to be very modern and tasteful with contemporary design choices rather than traditional.

The yacht can welcome twenty guests in ten cabins as well as 44 crew members. She has a cinema, an indoor pool, elevators, and a spa onboard.

Specifications

RADIANT was built by Luerssen at their Lemwerder shipyard in Germany. She was delivered in late 2009 and conducted her maiden voyage in February 2010.

RADIANT has a total length of 110 meters (260.1 ft), a beam of 16.3 meters (53.6 ft), and a draft of 4.68 meters (15.4 ft).

Her weight lies at 5,082 tons, making her a relatively heavy yacht. Her average cruising speed is 16 knots, although she can accelerate to a top speed of 22 knots if required using her twin diesel MTU engines .

Her water tanks can carry up to 100,000 liters of freshwater allowing her to take guests on longer trips. 

Tim Heywood and his renowned design studio worked on the exterior of RADIANT in collaboration with Luerssen.

The British designer specializes in large vessels and has worked on yachts like DILBAR and PELROUS in the past. RADIANT is one of his most notable design projects.

She has a somewhat unconventional exterior which isn’t all-white like most superyachts but features a light grey lower half. She has a helipad on the top deck, although it can only support smaller aircraft.

The bow, which is usually where a helipad would be placed on a large yacht, is instead a spacious sun deck with storage facilities for smaller tenders and water toys such as jet skis. The aft of the vessel has several decks with comfortable seating areas.

The RADIANT yacht was sold to the owner for an estimated price of US $300 million. She generates an additional US $20 to $30 million in annual running costs.

Do you have anything to add to this listing?

• Abdulla al Futtaim
• Terence Disdale
• Tim Heywood

Love Yachts? Join us.

Related posts.

ATLANTE Yacht – Impeccable $40M Superyacht

Discovering the 60m DREAM Yacht

SARAH Yacht – High-end $60 M Superyacht

AQUILA Yacht – Stunning $150M Superyacht

The global authority in superyachting

• NEWSLETTERS
• Yachts Home
• The Superyacht Directory
• Yacht Reports
• Brokerage News
• The largest yachts in the world
• The Register
• Yacht Advice
• Yacht Design
• 12m to 24m yachts
• Monaco Yacht Show
• Builder Directory
• Designer Directory
• Interior Design Directory
• Naval Architect Directory
• Yachts for sale home
• Motor yachts
• Sailing yachts
• Explorer yachts
• Classic yachts
• Sale Broker Directory
• Charter Home
• Yachts for Charter
• Charter Destinations
• Charter Broker Directory
• Destinations Home
• Mediterranean
• South Pacific
• Rest of the World
• Boat Life Home
• Owners' Experiences
• Conservation and Philanthropy
• Interiors Suppliers
• Owners' Club
• Captains' Club
• BOAT Showcase
• Boat Presents
• Events Home
• World Superyacht Awards
• Superyacht Design Festival
• Design and Innovation Awards
• Young Designer of the Year Award
• Artistry and Craft Awards
• Explorer Yachts Summit
• Ocean Talks
• The Ocean Awards
• BOAT Connect
• Between the bays
• Golf Invitational
• BOATPro Home
• Superyacht Insight
• Global Order Book
• Premium Content
• Product Features
• Testimonials
• Pricing Plan
• Tenders & Equipment

A sister to Al Raya, Radiant was commissioned by the Russian media tycoon Boris Berezovsky, who wanted a rival to Pelorus, owned by his arch enemy Roman Abramovich. However, he subsequently sold her to Abdulla al-Futtaim, a billionaire car dealer from the United Arab Emirates, before she was completed. As well as the standard features for a yacht of this size - helipad, gymnasium, cinema, spa - she has one of the highest security specifications ever conceived. Berezovsky ordered a personal “escape launch” – a speedboat with turbo-charged twin diesel engines capable of exceeding 75 knots. She is also equipped with an arsenal of sonic guns that fire low-frequency sound waves that can burst the eardrums of approaching assailants, and a military water cannon capable of sinking an approaching boat at more than 100 yards.

About RADIANT , brought to you by BOATPro

RADIANT is a 110.0 m Motor Yacht, built in Germany by Lurssen and delivered in 2009.

Her top speed is 21.0 kn and her cruising speed is 16.0 kn and her power comes from two MTU diesel engines. She can accommodate up to 20 guests in 10 staterooms. She has a gross tonnage of 5027.0 GT and a 16.3 m beam.

She was designed by Tim Heywood , who has designed 61 other superyachts in the BOAT Pro database.

The naval architecture was developed by Lurssen , who has architected 71 other superyachts in the BOAT Pro database, and the interior of the yacht was designed by Terence Disdale , who has 77 other superyacht interiors designed in the BOAT Pro database - she is built with a Teak deck, a Steel hull, and Aluminium superstructure.

RADIANT is in the top 5% by LOA in the world. She is one of 70 motor yachts longer than 100m, and, compared to similarly sized motor yachts, her cruising speed is 0.09 kn above the average, and her top speed 1.3 kn above the average.

RADIANT is currently sailing under the Cayman Islands flag, the 2nd most popular flag state for superyachts with a total of 1408 yachts registered. She is currently located at the superyacht marina Flisvos Marina, in Greece, where she has been located for 1 week. For more information regarding RADIANT's movements, find out more about BOATPro AIS .

Specifications

• Name: RADIANT
• Previous Names: DARIUS
• Yacht Type: Motor Yacht
• Builder: Lurssen
• Naval Architect: Lurssen
• Exterior Designer: Tim Heywood
• Interior Designer: Terence Disdale
• Refits: 2020,2024

Yacht featured in

Yachts like this, from our partners, sponsored listings.

Find anything, super fast.

• Destinations
• Documentaries

Motor Yacht

Motor yacht Radiant was built by Lurssen Yachts in 2009 and features exterior design by Tim Heywood.

Sistership of Lurssen yacht Dilbar, Radiant’s generous beam will allow for a spacious interior, which has been designed by is the work of Terence Disdale Design and Glen Pushelberg.

The 110 metre yacht, project named Darius, was launched in April 2009 out of Lurssen Shipyard’s new floating dock located in Bremen Germany. She was delivered to her owner in 2010.  

• Yacht Builder Lurssen Yachts View profile
• Naval Architect Lurssen Yachts View profile
• Exterior Designer Tim Heywood Design View profile
• Interior Designer Glen Pushelburg No profile available

Yacht Specs

Other lurssen yachts, related news.

Please use a modern browser to view this website. Some elements might not work as expected when using Internet Explorer.

• Landing Page
• Luxury Yacht Vacation Types
• Corporate Yacht Charter
• Tailor Made Vacations
• Luxury Exploration Vacations
• View All 3707
• Motor Yachts
• Sailing Yachts
• Classic Yachts
• Catamaran Yachts
• Filter By Destination
• More Filters
• Latest Reviews
• Charter Special Offers
• Destination Guides
• Inspiration & Features
• Mediterranean Charter Yachts
• France Charter Yachts
• Italy Charter Yachts
• Croatia Charter Yachts
• Greece Charter Yachts
• Turkey Charter Yachts
• Bahamas Charter Yachts
• Caribbean Charter Yachts
• Australia Charter Yachts
• Thailand Charter Yachts
• Dubai Charter Yachts
• Destination News
• New To Fleet
• Charter Fleet Updates
• Special Offers
• Industry News
• Yacht Shows
• Corporate Charter
• Finding a Yacht Broker
• Charter Preferences
• Questions & Answers
• Add my yacht

NOT FOR CHARTER *

This Yacht is not for Charter*

SIMILAR YACHTS FOR CHARTER

View Similar Yachts

Or View All luxury yachts for charter

• Luxury Charter Yachts
• Motor Yachts for Charter
• Amenities & Toys

RADIANT yacht NOT for charter*

110m  /  360'11 | lurssen | 2009 / 2023.

Owner & Guests

• Previous Yacht

Special Features:

• Elevator for easy access between floors
• Recent refit in 2023
• Comfortable Movie Theatre
• Swimming pool
• Germanischer Lloyd classification

The 110m/360'11" motor yacht 'Radiant' (ex. Darius) was built by Lurssen in Germany at their Lemwerder shipyard. Her interior is styled by design house Glen Pushelburg and she was delivered to her owner in February 2010. This luxury vessel's exterior design is the work of Tim Heywood Design and she was last refitted in 2023.

Guest Accommodation

Radiant has been designed to comfortably accommodate up to 20 guests in 10 suites. She is also capable of carrying up to 44 crew onboard to ensure a relaxed luxury yacht experience.

Onboard Comfort & Entertainment

Her features include a movie theatre, beauty salon, elevator, beach club, gym and air conditioning.

Range & Performance

Radiant is built with a steel hull and aluminium superstructure, with teak decks. Radiant comfortably cruises at 16 knots, reaches a maximum speed of 21 knots. Radiant features at-anchor stabilizers providing exceptional comfort levels. Her water tanks store around 100,000 Litres of fresh water. She was built to Germanischer Lloyd classification society rules.

*Charter Radiant Motor Yacht

Motor yacht Radiant is currently not believed to be available for private Charter. To view similar yachts for charter , or contact your Yacht Charter Broker for information about renting a luxury charter yacht.

Radiant Yacht Owner, Captain or marketing company

'Yacht Charter Fleet' is a free information service, if your yacht is available for charter please contact us with details and photos and we will update our records.

Radiant Photos

Radiant Awards & Nominations

• The World Superyacht Awards 2011 Best Displacement Motor Yacht of 3,000GT and above (approximately 85m+) Finalist
• The ShowBoats Design Awards 2011 Exterior Design & Styling Award: Displacement Motor Yachts 200′+ Finalist
• The ShowBoats Design Awards 2011 Naval Architecture Award: Motor Yachts Finalist

NOTE to U.S. Customs & Border Protection

Specification

M/Y Radiant

SIMILAR LUXURY YACHTS FOR CHARTER

Here are a selection of superyachts which are similar to Radiant yacht which are believed to be available for charter. To view all similar luxury charter yachts click on the button below.

115m | Lurssen

from $2,874,000 p/week ♦︎

92m | Feadship

from $1,500,000 p/week

89m | Oceanco

from $1,100,000 p/week

Carinthia VII

97m | Lurssen

from $1,547,000 p/week ♦︎

95m | Lurssen

from $1,769,000 p/week ♦︎

90m | Oceanco

from $1,334,000 p/week ♦︎

107m | Olympic Yacht Services

from $2,211,000 p/week ♦︎

97m | Feadship

from $1,775,000 p/week ♦︎

108m | Benetti

from $1,990,000 p/week ♦︎

122m | Lurssen

from $3,000,000 p/week

91m | Lurssen

from $1,400,000 p/week

93m | Feadship

from $1,556,000 p/week ♦︎

As Featured In

The YachtCharterFleet Difference

YachtCharterFleet makes it easy to find the yacht charter vacation that is right for you. We combine thousands of yacht listings with local destination information, sample itineraries and experiences to deliver the world's most comprehensive yacht charter website.

San Francisco

• Like us on Facebook
• Follow us on Twitter
• Follow us on Instagram
• Find us on LinkedIn
• Add My Yacht
• Affiliates & Partners

Popular Destinations & Events

• St Tropez Yacht Charter
• Monaco Yacht Charter
• St Barts Yacht Charter
• Greece Yacht Charter
• Mykonos Yacht Charter
• Caribbean Yacht Charter

Featured Charter Yachts

• Maltese Falcon Yacht Charter
• Wheels Yacht Charter
• Victorious Yacht Charter
• Andrea Yacht Charter
• Titania Yacht Charter
• Ahpo Yacht Charter

Receive our latest offers, trends and stories direct to your inbox.

Please enter a valid e-mail.

Thanks for subscribing.

Search for Yachts, Destinations, Events, News... everything related to Luxury Yachts for Charter.

Yachts in your shortlist

Crash of an Antonov AN-24B in Kursk

• Today's news
• Reviews and deals
• Climate change
• 2024 election
• Newsletters
• Fall allergies
• Health news
• Mental health
• Sexual health
• Family health
• So mini ways
• Unapologetically
• Buying guides

Entertainment

• How to Watch
• My watchlist
• Stock market
• Biden economy
• Personal finance
• Stocks: most active
• Stocks: gainers
• Stocks: losers
• Trending tickers
• World indices
• US Treasury bonds
• Top mutual funds
• Highest open interest
• Highest implied volatility
• Currency converter
• Basic materials
• Communication services
• Consumer cyclical
• Consumer defensive
• Financial services
• Industrials
• Real estate
• Mutual funds
• Credit cards
• Balance transfer cards
• Cash back cards
• Rewards cards
• Travel cards
• Online checking
• High-yield savings
• Money market
• Home equity loan
• Personal loans
• Student loans
• Options pit
• Fantasy football
• Pro Pick 'Em
• College Pick 'Em
• Fantasy baseball
• Fantasy hockey
• Fantasy basketball
• Download the app
• Daily fantasy
• Scores and schedules
• GameChannel
• World Baseball Classic
• Premier League
• CONCACAF League
• Champions League
• Motorsports
• Horse racing

New on Yahoo

• Privacy Dashboard

Stranded Russian troops in Kursk Oblast could top-up Ukraine's POW fund, experts say

Ukraine is continuing to successfully use terrain to advance in Kursk Oblast, three weeks into the operation. A number of Russian troops are now cut off by Ukraine's target attacks on key bridges in Kursk Oblast.

They are at risk of becoming prisoners of war (POWs) if they cannot be evacuated soon, experts have told the Kyiv Independent.

The loss of the crossings across the Seim River presents a serious challenge to Russian troops stationed in the Glushkovsky district, who are lodged between the river to the north, Ukraine's Sumy Oblast to the west and south, and Ukrainian-held territories in Kursk Oblast to the east.

"Russians forced to the south of the river need supplies to fight," Phillips P. O'Brien , professor of Strategic Studies at the University of St Andrews in Scotland, told the Kyiv Independent.

"Without those supplies, they will either have to be evacuated to the north bank of the river or they will become combat ineffective. They could even end up as Ukrainian prisoners,” he added.

Read also: Kursk ‘counteroffensive’ shakes main pillar of Putin’s power grip, retired US general says

The Seim River trap

Ukrainian forces have hit three key stationary bridges across the Seim River in the Glushkovsy district of Russia’s Kursk Oblast, hindering Russia’s ability to resupply troops defending a nearly surrounded area on Ukraine’s border.

Russian forces began setting up pontoon crossings across the river in the wake of Ukrainian attacks against the stationary bridges, but they quickly became targets for Ukrainian air strikes.

The Special Operation Forces of Ukraine confirmed on Aug. 21 that they are successfully striking "engineering equipment... bridges, and pontoon crossings" in the area.

On Aug. 19, one of at least two pontoon crossings across the Seim River disappeared from the satellite images, and smoke was also detected in the area.

Another pontoon bridge, built east of Glushkovo, was still visible as of Aug. 19.

But whether this remaining crossing is sufficient to evacuate Russian troops, or if they will be able to build more in the area is unclear.

"It is not very easy to build a pontoon crossing over the Seim River," defense expert Andrii Kharuk told the Kyiv Independent.

"Due to the river’s natural shape and features, it is possible in a limited number of places. The situation for Russian forces is quite difficult there."

Join our community Support independent journalism in Ukraine. Join us in this fight. Support us

Russian pro-war military bloggers have also expressed concern about the hindered supply lines for the Russian troops located in Glushkovsky district. Some warn that the troops will need to be evacuated if Ukrainian forces manage to encircle the area.

The exact number of Russian troops in the area is not known, and the Ukrainian military remains tight-lipped about the details of the ongoing operation.

"According to various estimates, the number of troops there is likely to be between a few hundred and 2,000-3,000 soldiers," Kharuk said.

"They will either have to abandon their equipment and somehow cross the river because there is no complete encirclement yet, or they will be captured."

According to an expert speaking at a CEPA (Center for European Policy Analysis) online press briefing on Aug. 22., the bridges and pontoons were likely struck by French-made aerial glide bombs carried by MIG-29 fighter jets.

“If the MIG-29s are flying there, if there is room for maneuvering for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, it means Russian air defense is not strong in that area for now,” said Nico Lange, former chief of staff at the German Defense Ministry.

He added that if the largely encircled Russian troops start moving from the area “they will be vulnerable.”

“I think it's very important now that the Western partners allow Ukraine to use deep strike precision fires to hit the Russian troops on the march,” said Lange.

Ukraine started the unprecedented incursion into the Kursk Oblast on Aug. 6. Two weeks into the operation, Ukraine gained control of 92 settlements, including the town of Sudzha , and more than 1,250 square kilometers of Kursk Oblast, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Aug. 19.

Read also: Morning in Sudzha: Inside Ukrainian-occupied Russia as Kursk operation continues

He also said that " hundreds " of Russian soldiers had been captured as of Aug. 13, while an undisclosed Ukrainian colonel told The Independent news outlet that the number may be as high as 2,000.

The Russian border near Ukraine's Sumy Oblast has been "largely cleared" of the Russian soldiers, which the Ukrainian president called one of the tactical goals of Kyiv's incursion.

On Aug. 18, Zelensky outlined one of the Kursk operation's strategic goals: establishing a buffer zone in Ukraine-controlled Russian territories.

Regardless of Ukraine's next moves, one things is clear – the Kursk incursion has dealt a huge blow to Russia's military as well as the Kremlin, which, according to a report by Meduza, came to terms with the idea that it may take several months of fighting to regain the territory.

"The situation in the Kursk Oblast will worsen for the Russian army because Ukraine will be able to gain a foothold along the water line and create certain positions based on this water line," Kharuk said.

"We can already see that the Ukrainians are also bringing in heavy equipment, meaning that they are planning to somehow gain a foothold in this territory. I cannot say for sure, because I do not know the plans of the command,” he added.

"But it seems that the Ukrainian command will not leave this territory too quickly."

Read also: Kursk incursion ‘breaks’ Russia’s attempts to dictate peace terms, boosts Ukraine’s leverage

We’ve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent .

Recommended Stories

A big fed rate cut gives donald trump and jerome powell something else to disagree about.

The Federal Reserve decision to opt for a bigger half-percentage-point cut opened a new area of disagreement between GOP nominee Donald Trump and Fed Chair Jerome Powell.

New Yahoo News/YouGov poll: 8% of Americans say Taylor Swift’s endorsement makes them more likely to vote for Kamala Harris

Swift is unlikely to transform Trump voters into Harris voters, or vice versa. But she could convince some non-voters to turn out for Harris.

Donald Trump said he would not sell his Truth Social stock. But he technically can starting soon.

Trump maintains a roughly 60% stake in Trump Media & Technology Group, which trades on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol "DJT."

What a bigger-than-expected Fed rate cut would mean for the stock market

Recent market history shows the Federal Reserve typically only starts interest cuts with 50 basis point reductions when the economy is significantly weakening.

Who is Ryan Wesley Routh, the suspect in another apparent Trump assassination attempt?

The 58-year-old made his first court appearance Monday morning and was charged with federal gun crimes.

US employment falls by 818,000 in latest government revision

Wednesday's release shows the US labor market added fewer jobs than initially reported in the 12-month period ending in March 2024 but economists are wary about reading too much into the release.

The jobs report answered one key question — but left us guessing on another

The August jobs report was supposed to clear up a suite of questions about the economy and what comes next. It only answered one of them.

The US economy may be on 'thinner' ice than investors think

Investors are increasingly confident the US economy will achieve a "soft landing." That may not be the case, according to one strategist.

Who is Laura Loomer? Fringe far-right activist's access to Trump draws outrage from Republicans, including Marjorie Taylor Greene

Far-right fringe activist Laura Loomer has appeared in former President Donald Trump's orbit this week. Who she is and why some of his GOP allies are outraged.

Army says Arlington National Cemetery staffer was 'abruptly pushed aside' during Trump campaign visit this week. Here's what's happened in the days since.

Former President Donald Trump's Monday visit to Arlington National Cemetery wasn't without controversy.

Taylor Swift becomes most decorated VMAs solo artist, Francine makes landfall in La., Polaris Dawn crew conducts 1st civilian spacewalk

Get caught up on this morning’s news: The biggest MTV VMA moments, growing Calif. wildfires and more in today’s edition of The Yodel newsletter

Sen. JD Vance addresses Trump's stance on a federal abortion ban: 'I've learned my lesson on speaking for the president'

Vance is hitting the brakes on playing Trump's spokesperson when it comes to abortion.

Trump wants Elon Musk focused on government 'efficiency.' Critics say key services, perhaps Social Security, could be in his sights.

Donald Trump recently endorsed Elon Musk's idea for a government efficiency commission that would come up with trillions in savings. Critics were quick to point out that the math likely doesn't add up.

What's next after the Fed's interest rate cut, the House rejects government funding bill, and 'The Golden Bachelorette' premieres

Get caught up on this morning’s news: The Fed’s interest rate cuts, ‘The Golden Bachelorette’ and more in today’s edition of The Yodel newsletter

Governor Newsom on California AI bill SB 1047: 'I can't solve for everything'

California governor Gavin Newsom said there are 38 bills on his desk that would create laws around artificial intelligence on Tuesday, but one looms larger than all of them: SB 1047, California's bill that tries to prevent AI systems from causing catastrophes. For the first time, California's governor shared what he's thinking about the controversial bill. Newsom said he's interested in AI bills that can solve today's problems without upsetting California's booming AI industry.

A key inflation metric is back to trending below the Fed’s 2% target: Chart of the Week

No big surprises came with Friday's PCE inflation reading, but the Fed got the affirmation it has long sought — on one timeframe, anyway.

Springfield's Wittenberg University cancels football game amid threats engulfing town over Haitian immigration

Springfield, Ohio has been subject to at least 33 bomb threats in recent days, according to Gov. Mike DeWine.

The Fed is poised to enter a new era with first rate cut in 4 years. But what comes next?

Federal Reserve are expected to mark the end of an era on Wednesday as they cut interest rates for the first time in four years.

'He did not fire or get off any shots': Suspect charged, appears in court as officials offer more details on Trump assassination attempt

Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, made his first appearance in federal court Monday morning.

Telegram founder Pavel Durov arrested in France

Pavel Durov, founder and CEO of messaging app Telegram, was arrested on Saturday evening while leaving his private jet at France’s Le Bourget Airport, as initially reported by French television network TF1. Durov's arrest sparked widespread discussion and speculation on social media, including on Telegram, though news reports have been largely based on unnamed police sources. In a statement, Telegram said it is "awaiting a prompt resolution of this situation."