Ukraine makes major break through Russian defence as Putin's men forced into retreat
Ukrainians seized the village of Robotyne over a week ago
Reuters
Ukraine has breach Russia's defence line with their counter-offensive against Vladimir Putin's illegal invasion starting to yield results.
Their counter-offensive effort has recently been focused on expanding the bridgehead around Robotyne, a village in the southern Zaporizhzhia region.
Ukraine successfully seized the village from the Russians over a week ago, and now their efforts have been focused on trying to expand their reach on the area and breach the second and third defensive lines.
A full-scale penetration of Russia’s defence lines would allow Ukraine to send tanks and troops across enemy lines, whilst minimising the risk of them coming under Russian fire.
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It would also allow them to capture more territory and target more of Russia’s critical supply lines, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Yuriy Sak, an advisor to Ukraine’s defence minister, confirmed that the breach was a success.
"Little by little, I think we're gaining momentum," he said.
It is part of Ukraine’s offensive push launched in early June to strike Russia’s defensive lines and sever their path to Crimea, according to the Kyiv Post.
Ukraine is now between the first and second defensive lines, according to a top general in the South, who spoke to the Observer.
White House spokesperson John Kirby said on Friday that Ukrainian forces had “achieved some success against that second line”.
Small Ukrainian units have been making progress by clearing small parts of Russian defence lines.
The units have managed to outmanoeuvre a number of obstacles placed by the Russians, including minefields, tank traps and trenches.
"When these openings appear, of course, it makes it easier for our forces to advance," Sak said.
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Ukraine is now between the first and second defensive lines, according to a top general in the South
Reuters
Foreign Minister Dymtro Kuleba said recent gains on the Southern front could allow Ukraine to push Russia back to Crimea.
Kuleba said: “Having entrenched on its [Robotyne's] flanks, we are opening the way to Tokmak and, eventually, Melitopol and the administrative border with Crimea.”
Tokmak and Melitopol are key Russian hubs.
The Foreign Minister said that the counter-offensive that began in June was continuing, though labelled it an “extremely difficult task”.