Ukraine's military leadership has announced significant progress in breaching Russia's initial line of defense in the southern region.
Their advances are part of a broader counter-offensive launched in early June to reclaim territories seized by Russian forces. This operation spans multiple points along the extensive 600-mile-plus (965km) frontline.
Of particular strategic importance is the area to the southeast of Zaporizhzhia, which lies on the path toward the Sea of Azov. A successful push in this direction could potentially sever Russia's vital supply lines connecting the city of Rostov-on-Don to Crimea.
So far, limited headway has been made in this effort, primarily around the villages of Robotyne and Verbove in the Zaporizhzhia region.
While there have been confirmed sightings of Ukrainian troops breaching Russian defensive positions along the southern front, it's crucial to note that these instances involve Ukrainian infantry infiltrating rather than securing control of the area. Ukrainian armored columns have not yet exploited the openings, and they have not held the gained ground.
Russia had long anticipated this counter-attack and constructed an intricate system of layered defenses that include obstacles, trenches, bunkers, minefields, and artillery support. The formidable defensive structures, even visible from space, pose substantial challenges to Ukraine's progress.
Vast minefields, densely packed with up to five mines per square meter, have impeded the advance.
Ukraine's modern tanks and armored vehicles are susceptible to Russia's mines, drones, and anti-tank missiles. To advance in force, they must first clear a safe path through the minefields and neutralize Russian artillery.
Dr. Marina Miron at King's College London War Studies Department explained, "The problem that the Ukrainians have now is to get an opening big enough to get more troops in." Meanwhile, Russia has been reinforcing its positions, and the situation on the battlefront remains dynamic.
Russian drone footage corroborates reports of elite Russian airborne forces, the VDV, deploying near the town of Verbove, aiming to plug gaps created by Ukraine's counter-offensive.
According to Kateryna Stepanenko, a Russia analyst at the London-based think tank RUSI, Ukrainian forces continue to face strong resistance from Russian forces, including artillery fire, drone strikes, and electronic warfare measures aimed at disrupting Ukrainian communications and drone usage.
Although Ukraine has made limited progress towards the coast, the situation is complex. Russia's forces may be fatigued and possibly demoralized after enduring three months of intense attacks, including supply line disruptions.
Ukraine's potential breakthrough to the town of Tokmak could bring Russia's rail and road supply routes for Crimea within the range of Ukrainian artillery. While this may not end the conflict, it could significantly weaken Moscow's war effort and position Ukraine favorably for future peace talks.
However, Ukraine faces challenges, including the impending rainy season, which will turn roads into mud and hinder further advances.
Additionally, the outcome of the U.S. presidential elections could impact the level of American military support for Ukraine, adding further urgency to Kyiv's efforts.
President Putin's strategy appears to be to endure until these crucial factors come into play, while Ukraine strives to make its counter-offensive a success.