Ukrainian Forces Break Through Russian Defenses in the South, Commander Says
ORIKHIV AREA, Ukraine – Ukrainian forces have successfully broken through the most challenging line of Russian defenses in the south, according to a commander fighting in the region. This breakthrough is expected to allow Ukrainian troops to advance more quickly towards their ultimate goal of reaching the Sea of Azov.
Since launching a counteroffensive in June, Ukrainian forces have faced well-prepared Russian defense lines, reinforced by minefields, which have slowed their progress towards the Sea of Azov. However, on Wednesday, Ukrainian forces announced that they had raised the national flag in the settlement of Robotyne, located in the southern Zaporizhzhia region, approximately 10 km south of the frontline town of Orikhiv.
“We don’t stop here,” said the commander, known by the callsign “Skala,” which is also the name of the battalion he leads. “Next, we have Berdiansk, and then more. I made it clear to my fighters at once: our goal is not Robotyne, our goal is Azov.”
Robotyne is situated about 100 km from Berdiansk, a port on the shores of the Sea of Azov, and 85 km from the strategic city of Melitopol, both of which are currently occupied by Russian forces following Moscow’s invasion last year.
While Moscow has not confirmed Ukraine’s advance into Robotyne, a U.S. official recently stated that Ukrainian forces were unlikely to retake Melitopol in their counteroffensive, which aims to split Russian forces in the south.
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy defended Ukraine’s strategy, dismissing concerns that the country’s troops were spread too thinly. He reiterated his belief that Kyiv would regain all Ukrainian territory seized by Moscow.
“We have passed the main roads that were mined. We are coming to those lines where we can go forward. I’m sure we’ll go faster from here,” Skala said.
Although two houses in Robotyne are still under Russian control, Ukrainian troops are actively fighting to regain control of them. Skala expressed confidence that they would soon have full control of Robotyne.
Furthermore, Skala stated that Ukrainian forces have now entered territories where there are only “Russian logistics” groups, suggesting that he does not expect Russian defenses to be as formidable in these areas.
“We are moving on to liberate all our territories,” Skala declared.
The situation in Ukraine remains tense as Ukrainian forces continue their counteroffensive against Russian forces. The international community closely watches the developments in the region, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Reporting by Vladyslav Smilianets Writing by Pavel Polityuk Editing by Timothy Heritage, David Gregorio, and Frances Kerry
How have Ukrainian forces managed to successfully penetrate the formidable Russian defenses in the south of Orikhiv area?
ORIKHIV AREA, Ukraine – In a significant development, Ukrainian forces have successfully penetrated the formidable Russian defenses in the south, revealed a commander operational in the region. This breakthrough is set to accelerate the advancement of Ukrainian troops towards their primary objective of reaching the Sea of Azov.
Ever since commencing a counteroffensive in June, Ukrainian forces have encountered heavily fortified Russian defense lines, fortified with minefields, impeding their progress towards the Sea of Azov. Nevertheless, Ukrainian forces announced on Wednesday that they have hoisted their national flag in the village of Robotyne, situated in the southern Zaporizhzhia region, roughly 10 km to the south of the frontline town of Orikhiv.
“The momentum doesn’t cease here,” expressed the commander, popularly recognized by the codename “Ska.”
