Ukraine’s counteroffensive appears to be making great progress.
Now the forces are said to have made it past Russia’s most important line of defense – and can start gearing up.
– Once you have a breakthrough, it can go faster than normal, says lieutenant colonel Johan Houvinen.
Ukrainian forces say they have bypassed Russia’s most important defense line.
The fighting in the occupied community of Robotyne had been going on for almost two months when Ukraine announced on Wednesday that it had liberated the village.
– You have gained full control of the city and are on your way to the next one. You also notice that when you read Russian news. There is no doubt that you are through, says lieutenant colonel Johan Huovinen.
Risky city awaits
In such a situation, Ukrainian commanders hope that the counter-offensive will really gain momentum, according to Reuters.
– Now that you’ve made a breakthrough, things can go faster than normal. The assumption made by many is that the ground inside the first line of defense is less mined, which allows you to get out wide, says Huovinen.
Now the Ukrainian forces are targeting Berdyansk, Melitopol and the Azov Sea in the south-eastern parts of the country.
– On the way down to Melitopol there is a town called Tokmak. If you look at satellite images, Russia has created an all-around defense. There, it is important that Ukraine does not get stuck, but just passes by, says Huovinen.
“Ukraine is not standing still”
According to the lieutenant colonel’s speculation, Ukraine has just over two months left to fight before the mud comes and the ground no longer holds the heavy tanks.
– You have to have a little confidence. It’s going slower than expected (to war, ed. note). The expectation is that it will go quickly, but you need to adjust your expectations. The important thing this news says is that things are moving, but not that fast. Ukraine is not standing still.
But according to Johan Huovinen, the challenges are far from over.
– Nothing is easy from here. The Ukrainian side must methodically continue to slowly advance and ensure that they do not incur heavy losses.