The Ukrainian army continues to make progress in its counter-offensive in the south. On the front sector near Robotyne in the Zaporizhia region, Ukrainian armored vehicles have for the first time come behind the third – and currently last – Russian defense line. Satellite images prove this.
Geolocation images of the front posted on social media (see below) show Ukrainian troops south of the ‘Surovikin Line’, named after the commanding general of the Russian army. Several armored vehicles were able to push their way through this triple defense system consisting of mines, anti-tank ditches and triangular concrete barriers, so-called dragon’s teeth.
First breaches secured
They were involved in limited fighting west of the village of Werbowe, the Institute for War Studies (ISW) wrote in its report on Thursday evening. But according to military experts, it is still too early to say with certainty that this Russian defense line has been breached. According to the ISW assessment, the appearance of Ukrainian armored vehicles behind this line shows that they can now move more freely there again and that the breakthroughs in the first two lines are sufficiently secured.
“Ukrainian forces have likely neutralized Russian artillery and other anti-tank systems in the area to the point where they can move their vehicles forward,” the report said. All summer, the Ukrainian army tried to force its way through the scattered Russian defenses and dense minefields, where the invaders entrenched themselves in vast trenches.
Changed tactics brought success
The Ukrainians were initially unable to get through these lines with tanks, mainly because there was a lack of air support. In a change of tactics, the Russian positions were first bombarded with artillery and then manned by small squadrons of foot soldiers.
According to the ISW’s assessment, since mid-August, Russian forces in the west of Zaporizhia Oblast have no longer been able to prevent the Ukrainian forces from advancing slowly but surely. Ukraine hopes to advance south to the Sea of Azov and cut off the Russians’ land link with the Crimean Peninsula. However, the sea is about 100 kilometers away. Experts doubt that Ukrainian forces will achieve this goal this year.
Kiev reports further progress
The Ukrainian army has advanced furthest so far in the city of Robotyne. The General Staff in Kiev reported in Friday morning’s situation report that it had managed to repel Russian counterattacks. At the same time he reported on further advances on the front in the south and also near Bakhmut in the east.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
