krainian forces consider they've damaged by means of probably the most troublesome line of Russian defences within the south and can now be capable to advance extra rapidly, a commander preventing within the south informed Reuters.
Ukraine launched a counteroffensive in June, however well-prepared Russian defence strains strengthened by minefields have slowed their southward advance in direction of the Sea of Azov.
Ukrainian forces mentioned on Wednesday they'd raised the nationwide flag within the settlement of Robotyne within the southern Zaporizhzhia area, about 10 km (six miles) south of the frontline city of Orikhiv.
“We don’t stop here,” mentioned a commander who led a few of the troops into Robotyne and makes use of the nom de guerre “Kombat”.
“Next we have (the town of) Berdiansk, and then more. I made it clear to my fighters at once: our goal is not Robotyne, our goal is (the Sea of) Azov.”
Robotyne is about 100 km from Berdiansk, a port on the shores of the Sea of Azov, and 85 km from the strategic metropolis of Melitopol. Both are occupied by Russian forces following Moscow’s full-scale invasion in February final yr.
Moscow has not confirmed that Ukraine has superior into Robotyne.
A US official mentioned final week that Ukrainian forces didn't seem doubtless to have the ability to attain and retake Melitopol of their counteroffensive, supposed to separate Russian forces within the south.
Defending Ukraine‘s strategy this week, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy dismissed suggestions that his country’s troops had been unfold too thinly and repeated his perception that Kyiv would regain all Ukrainian territory that has been 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,” Kombat mentioned.
He mentioned two homes had been nonetheless below Russian management in Robotyne: “We’re fighting for them, and then we’ll have full control (of Robotyne).”
Kombat mentioned Ukrainian troops had now entered territories the place there have been solely “Russian logistics” teams, and the place he made clear he didn't anticipate Russian defences to be as troublesome to interrupt by means of.
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