Ukrainian infantry advances beyond anti-tank ditches and obstacles in Zaporizhzhia – ISW

Ukrainian light infantry has pushed forward to positions behind anti-tank ditches and "dragon's teeth" anti-tank obstacles that are part of the Russian defences in the occupied western part of Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

Source: Institute for the Study of War (ISW)

Details: Military experts indicate that Ukrainian forces will likely hold these positions.

The ISW is uncertain whether Ukrainian forces have broken through this Russian defensive line, as there are no Ukrainian heavy vehicles in these areas. Geolocation video footage posted on 4 September suggested that Ukrainian troops had advanced to positions in the tree line east of Russian anti-tank ditches and dragon's teeth barriers, part of a three-layer defence immediately west of the settlement of Verbove.

Geolocation data indicates that Ukrainian light infantry also advanced further into a series of prepared Russian defensive positions along the road leading northwest to Verbove.

Furthermore, the Ukrainian army pushed forward to Russian defensive positions between the settlements of Robotyne and Novoprokopivka.

The Ukrainian forces are expanding the breach they have made in one of Russia's defensive lines and are reportedly moving more vehicles and troops to the tactical rear of the line.

The Ukrainian military appears to be making progress in the immediate vicinity of the as yet unbreached Russian defensive line running northwest from Verbove to the north of the village of Solodka Balka, launching infantry attacks and firing heavy artillery on Russian positions deeper and south of this line. Ukrainian deployment of heavy vehicles and significant forces in these areas may indicate both a breakthrough of this Russian defensive line and an attempt to expand this breakthrough.

To quote the ISW’s key takeaways for 5 September:

• Russian forces reportedly attempted to expand minefields in southern Ukraine following the start of the Ukrainian counteroffensive in June.
• Limitations on Russian artillery capabilities and Ukrainian advantages in counter-battery fire are forcing the Russians to deviate from their own doctrine, RUSI reported.
• Russian forces conducted a drone strike on Dnipropetrovsk and Odesa oblasts on the night of 3-4 September.
• Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated Russia’s unwillingness to rejoin the Black Sea Grain Initiative until all of Russia’s extensive terms are met at a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
• Head of the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine Erik Mose stated on 4 September that the commission has not yet concluded that Russia is committing genocide in Ukraine.
• Russian forces conducted offensive operations along the Kupyansk-Svatove-Kreminna line, near Bakhmut, along the Avdiivka-Donetsk City line, in the western Donetsk-eastern Zaporizhia Oblast border area, and in western Zaporizhia Oblast and advanced in some areas on 4 September.
• Ukrainian forces conducted offensive operations and advanced near Bakhmut and in western Zaporizhia Oblast on 4 September.
• Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu announced on 4 September that the Russian military will not be holding "Zapad-2023" joint strategic exercises scheduled for September.
• Russian occupation officials continued the fifth day of early voting for Russian regional elections in occupied territories on 4 September.

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