A Ukrainian soldier in a trench near the front line in Ukraine’s disputed Donbass region on July 28. Getty Images
Ukraine says its troops have broken through Russian defenses in the south of the country in a rare successful counterattack.
But with Ukraine’s own admission, the next phase of the offensive will be even more difficult.
Ukraine’s Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar gave an update on the operations, claiming that the Russian defenses had been penetrated, but she did not provide the exact location.
Hanna Maliar said that Russia has created more layers of defense that are harder to break.
According to Hanna Maliar, Russian soldiers built concrete fortifications on high ground, which could make it difficult for them to advance. Hanna Maliar also cited artillery bombardment and minefields as significant obstacles, adding that Russia was mobilizing more resources and combat reserves in the south and east.
Ukraine’s much-anticipated counter-offensive made little progress in two months.
Russia’s elaborate defenses proved more effective than expected, especially in minefields, obstacles and anti-tank traps.
In some areas, dense minefields forced Ukrainian soldiers to abandon Western tanks and walk on foot.
Ukrainian officials have said that their troops are at a disadvantage because the Western weapons they need to help them move forward take too long for Russia to prepare a solid and dangerous line.
