UKRAINE: THE SITUATION 560 - SEPTEMBER 4, 2023

The Ukrainian infantry has advanced to positions beyond the tank traps and anti-tank obstacles (dragon's teeth) that form the current Russian defense line against the Ukrainian advance in the western region of Zaporizhia Oblast. The Ukrainian forces likely intend to hold these positions.

The ISW cannot assess whether the Ukrainian forces have breached this Russian defense line, as no heavy Ukrainian equipment has been observed in these areas. Geolocated imagery released on September 4 shows that the Ukrainian forces have advanced to positions at the tree line east of the Russian tank traps and dragon's teeth obstacles, which are part of a three-line defense immediately west of Verbove (18 km southeast of Orikhiv). Geolocated imagery released on September 4 also shows that the light infantry of the Ukrainians has advanced further into a series of prepared Russian defensive positions along the road leading northwest to Verbove. Other geolocated imagery released on September 4 confirms that the Ukrainian forces have advanced to the Russian defensive positions between Robotyne (10 km south of Orikhiv) and Novoprokopivka (13 km south of Orikhiv).

The Ukrainian forces are expanding the breach they have already made in a Russian defense line and reportedly moving more equipment and personnel to tactical rear areas of this line. The Ukrainian forces appear to be making infantry assaults and heavy artillery bombardments on Russian positions further into and south of this layer, in close proximity to the as-yet unbreached Russian defense line extending northwest from Verbove to north of Solodka Balka (20 km south of Orichiw). The positioning of heavy Ukrainian equipment and more extensive forces in these areas, beyond what the ISW has observed so far, would indicate both a breakthrough and an effort to expand this breakthrough.

The full Russian Offensive Update 560 is available directly from UNDERSTANDING WAR.

UNDERSTANDING WAR