Ukrainian Forces Breach Russian First Defensive Line Near Zaporizhzhia, Expect Faster Gains

Ukrainian forces have decisively breached Russia’s first defensive line near Zaporizhzhia, the general leading the southern counteroffensive has said.

Ukrainian service members in the Zaporizhzhia region in July. It is believed Moscow did not expect forces to get through the minefield-Image Source: The Guardian

Brig Gen Oleksandr Tarnavskiy said Ukrainian forces were now pushing out on both sides of the breach and consolidating their hold on territory seized in recent fighting.

He said the Russians had devoted 60% of their time and resources into building the first defensive line and only 20% each into the second and third lines because Moscow had not expected Ukrainian forces to get through.

Tarnavskiy said the second line was not as well built, so Ukrainians could use their vehicles, although there were still minefields. He said Russian forces were also operating in this area, but in patches rather than a single defensive cordon.

The general said Ukrainian forces were expecting faster gains as they pressed the weaker second line. He said the enemy was pulling up reserves, not only from Ukraine but also from Russia, but that sooner or later the Russians would run out of all the best soldiers.

Tarnavskiy said Ukraine was also preparing other surprise offensives to drain Moscow’s forces. He refused to be drawn on timelines for reaching big targets such as Melitopol, or the coastline for the Sea of Azov, but said fighting would continue.

The general said the closer to victory, the harder it was. “Why? Because, unfortunately, we are losing the strongest and best. So now we have to concentrate on certain areas and finish the job. No matter how hard it is for all of us.”

Tarnavskiy is commander of the Tavria operational and strategic group of forces, named after the historic region that included Crimea. He said the Ukrainian military was committed to liberating all of Ukraine’s territory, including Crimea.

The breakthrough near Zaporizhzhia is a significant victory for Ukrainian forces and could lead to further gains in the south of the country. It is also a sign that the Ukrainian military is adapting and learning from its experiences, and is becoming more effective in its operations.