Ukrainian infantry managed to overcome the main defense layer on the front line weeks ago, but armored vehicles have now done so rolled past Anti-tank obstacles known as “Dragon’s Teeth” and advance near the town of Verbove, a crucial step for Kiev’s operation.
Armored vehicles, including U.S.-made Strykers, broke through the main layer of the infamous “Surovikin Defense Line,” named after Russian General Sergei Surovikin, which consists of Trenches, mines and anti-tank obstacles.
The Institute for the Study of War first estimated last week that armored vehicles were likely to penetrate the main layer, although it was not immediately clear whether the positions would hold.
Ukrainian commanders have also confirmed to media that the Armored vehicles shot through the main line after troops had cleared the way.
Next, if Ukraine can secure its advance around the towns of Verbowe and Novoprokopivka, it can then advance towards Tokmak. an important waypoint to the ultimate goal to take the city of Melitopol.
Ukraine still has a long way to goat least 15 miles or so to reach Tokmak, and the path is littered with more Russian defenses.
The modest gains come as the first U.S. Abrams tanks promised to Ukraine have arrived in the country ready to send into battle.
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