2023-09-01 10:19:00
Ukrainian troops consolidate on the southern front following some progress, according to authorities
Ukrainian servicemen fire small multiple launch rocket systems at Russian troops, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, near a front line in Zaporizhia region, Ukraine, August 19, 2023. (Photo: REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynsky)
The Ukrainian army says its units on the southern Zaporizhia front are consolidating their positions following making some progress.
The General Staff said on Friday that the forces were pushing towards the town of Novoprokopivka. “They have been successful, they are consolidating their positions, inflicting artillery fire on identified enemy targets and carrying out counter-battery operations.”
However, Russian military blogger WarGonzo reported that Russian forces had counterattacked near the village of Verbove, in the same sector.
Ukrainian soldiers have said they expect battles for control of the high ground to the south and east of the village as they approach the next layer of Russian defenses. The objective of the Ukrainian forces in this area is to punch a hole through the Russian multi-layered defensive fortifications and approach the strategic center of Tokmak.
The Russian Defense Ministry reported Thursday that Russian forces repelled five Ukrainian assaults near Verbove.
CNN cannot independently verify the claims of both sides regarding the battlefield.
The Ukrainians also claim to have reached “parity” with the Russians in terms of artillery range. Brigadier General Serhiy Baranov told the Ukrainian media on Thursday that Ukrainians are benefiting from the increased range of field artillery provided by NATO states.
He said that while the Russian artillery had an average range of 24 kilometers, the weapons provided to Ukraine might fire between 30 and 40 kilometers.
“This made it possible to destroy or damage the enemy’s guns, as well as move enemy artillery from the front line into the depths and prevent counter-battery warfare once morest our artillery and influence our infantry,” Baranov said.
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