Has Russia's first defense line been breached?
According to Reuters, Ukraine announced on September 1st that its military had broken through Russia's first line of defense in several places, but later encountered stronger Russian positions.
According to reports, Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliyar stated that the Kyiv army has made progress in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Washington also stated on the 1st that in the past 72 hours, Kiev has made significant progress on the southern route.
"We have launched attacks in several directions and certain areas. In some places, the first line of defense has already been breached," Maliyar told Ukrainian television
She continued, however, the Kiev army, which has been working hard to break through areas with a large number of landmines for the past three months, is now facing important fortifications with stronger Russian defenses.
She said, "Our armed forces must overcome many obstacles in order to move forward."
According to reports, Malial stated that fierce fighting has erupted in villages around the Bakhmut region in eastern Ukraine, but it is also difficult to determine whether there has been any progress. She said, "Within a day, the positions of both sides may change hands."
Although Ukraine's counterattack has recaptured more than ten small villages, it has not yet recaptured any important settlements.