Ukrainians broke through the first line of defense in the south – CNN

Baku/25.08.23/Turan:  Indications are emerging that Ukrainian armed forces have reportedly made significant advances by breaching the initial line of defense held by Russian military in the southern front, particularly in the Zaporozhye region. The strategic city of Tokmak is said to be the target of the expanding wedge.

CNN reports that Ukrainian troops are displaying signs of success as they advance through the southern front, potentially shifting the dynamics of the conflict. A notable development is the reported advancement of Ukrainian forces toward Novoprokopovka, a move that was corroborated by statements from the General Staff. Simultaneously, Ukrainian troops have initiated a parallel offensive in the Verbovoye area in the east, navigating heavy artillery fire on both fronts.

Russian military bloggers are sharing insights on the dire situation unfolding on Moscow's side of the front. The Ukrainian advance has sparked a sense of urgency for Russian forces to hold their ground for an additional month and a half, aiming to change the battlefield situation and regain momentum in another sector.

Russian "war correspondents," as these milbloggers refer to themselves, detail the utilization of Ukrainian aviation to cover infantry advancement, alongside airdropping extra ammunition in the vicinity of Malaya Tokmachka.

In an interview with Al-Mamlaka TV, General Mark Milley, the Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, acknowledged that Ukrainian troops have managed to breach the carefully prepared initial line of defense that Russian forces had constructed over several months. He characterized the Ukrainian offensive, which has spanned eight weeks, as "very slow."

As developments continue to unfold, the situation in the southern front becomes increasingly fluid, with the ongoing Ukrainian advances presenting new challenges to Russian military forces in the region.