Ukrainian infantry overcame the main layer of defenses on the front line weeks ago, but now armored vehicles have rolled past anti-tank obstacles known as “dragon teeth” and are advancing near the city of Verbove in a critical step for the kyiv operation.
The armored vehicles, including American-made Strykers, broke through the main layer of the infamous “Surovikin line” of defenses, named after Russian general Sergei Surovikin, which is made up of trenches, mines and anti-tank obstacles.
The Institute for the Study of War assessed for the first time last week that armored vehicles likely penetrated the main layer, although it was not immediately clear whether the positions would hold.
Ukrainian commanders have also confirmed to the media that the armored vehicles broke through the main line after the troops cleared the way.
If Ukraine can secure its advance around the cities of Verbove and Novoprokopivka, it will be able to advance towards Tokmak, a key point towards the final objective to take the city of Melitopol.
Ukraine still has a long way to goAt least 15 miles or so, to reach Tokmak, and the road is dotted with more Russian defenses.
Modest gains come as first US Abrams tanks promised to Ukraine arrived in the country and they are be prepared to send into battle.
Read the full report at TheHill.com.