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Ukrainian Armed Forces penetrated through the first line of Russian defenses in the south of Ukraine

The Armed Forces of Ukraine continue their counteroffensive actions, particularly on the Melitopol and Berdiansk axes in the south of Ukraine. In the areas of Mala Tokmachka and Robotyne in the Zaporizhzhia region, Ukrainian soldiers have achieved certain tactical success and are consolidating their positions along the achieved front lines.

Photo: Kostiantyn Liberov & Vlada Liberova

“Our troops have already penetrated through the first line of [Russian – ed.] defenses in some areas and advanced to an intermediate line. There, they faced concrete fortifications the enemy had constructed on the key heights. This, of course, complicates the movement of our troops and the combat operations,” stated Hanna Maliar, Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine.

Throughout the past week, the east of Ukraine has been the epicenter of hostilities. The number of enemy shellings increased to about 9,000 per week, with 500,000 rounds of ammunition used. Russian forces attempted to advance on the Kupiansk, Lyman, Avdiivka, and Marinka axes but did not succeed. In particular, the enemy made unsuccessful attempts to reclaim the lost positions in the area of Staromaiorske. Intense battles are currently ongoing.

During the break between battles, Ukrainian servicemen clean the barrel of a tank near the front line on the Bakhmut axis. July 24, 2023.
By Diego Herrera Carcedo / Anadolu Agency / Getty Images

According to the Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine, more than 70 locations with Russian troops were hit over the last week in the east and south of Ukraine. In addition, about 30 Russians were taken as prisoners of war. Ukrainian forces destroyed over 340 units of enemy military equipment, including tanks, mortars, howitzers, and missile launchers. Approximately 10 Russian command posts (information is being specified), 15 anti-aircraft missile systems, more than 60 artillery units, and 10 ammunition depots were also targeted by Ukrainian defenders.