Frontline situation is changing rapidly: Ukrainian forces make progress in two areas, reaching so-called Surovikin line – military expert Serhiy Zgurets 

The situation at the front

Ukrainian defenders are making progress in Bakhmut, Melitopol, and Berdyansk directions. The enemies are trying to take control in the northeast, on the Svatove-Kreminna line, where parts of the Russian army have been attacking all last week. However, they lost positions near Karmazynivka and are now preparing for new attempts with their backup forces.

In the south, on the Zaporizhzhia front, our troops are working hard. Despite claims of a slow Ukrainian counteroffensive, events are unfolding dynamically. On two front sections, the Armed Forces of Ukraine reached the so-called Surovikin line. They recaptured Staromayorske from the enemy and are now trying to push the enemy out of Urozhaine and the heights in Priyutne. In the Melitopol direction, Ukrainian forces are advancing and pushing through the enemy's defenses in the settlements of Robotyne and Verbove.

The commander of the National Guard of Ukraine, Colonel Oleksandr Pivnenko, stated yesterday  that every forward movement is already a positive outcome. Progress may not follow the same pattern as the operation in the Izyum direction; it could be different. For them, every meter gained is a success, and they are continuously moving forward. The commander emphasized that a breakthrough in a specific direction will come, and it might not be where people expect it to be. He firmly believes that the enemy will lose many of the territories they currently hold.

Regarding the eastern front, the armed forces are gradually moving around Bakhmut in Donetsk region. On July 31, Serhiy Cherevaty, the spokesman of the Eastern Group of Forces, stated that the Armed Forces of Ukraine are using slow but steady tactics for advancement in the Bakhmut area.

The 3rd Separate Assault Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is operating on the southern flank of Bakhmut, and it has gained a reputation for its impressive achievements demonstrated by its commanders, fighters, and units.

Oleksandr Borodin, press officer of the brigade, explained that the armed forces are making gradual progress. Some people might expect swift developments like in Kharkiv, but it's crucial to understand that the enemy has a strong defense system. To protect the personnel, our troops advance carefully with training, planning, and preparations, constantly finding new approaches to attack. In the beginning, the Defense Forces didn't face significant challenges like extensive mining. However, now enemy mines and artillery pose the main challenge. Our sappers are developing new methods to deal with these threats. The key is for the Armed Forces to maintain their pace while not rushing and avoiding mistakes.

Borodyn emphasized that it's too early to talk about capturing settlements as the area consists mostly of fields and landings. Preparing the minefield component requires significant effort. The enemy infantry appears demotivated, often fleeing. We continue counter-battery work, intelligence operations, and planning – these are the main priorities in this direction.

He also noted that there have been losses, but they are much smaller than the enemy's losses, often dozens of times less. The enemy comprises many mercenaries from the Storm-Z detachment, convicts, mobilized and contract soldiers, but Russian contract soldiers seem to suffer fewer casualties. Despite the belief that the attacking side typically suffers more losses, the Defense Forces have experienced significantly fewer casualties. The 3rd Assault Brigade has implemented a Western-style medical scheme to provide full medical support for fighters. The main goal is to preserve the health of the personnel as much as possible.

New advancements in Ukrainian defense technology

Now, let's talk about how Russia's war against Ukraine has led to a reevaluation of the importance of certain types of weapons on the battlefield. The demand for artillery, ammunition, and various types of drones has increased significantly. There are also updates in the requirements for armored vehicles, ranging from tanks to other types of protected vehicles. These changes are evident in the new solutions showcased by companies from different countries at international arms exhibitions.

Vladyslav Belbas, Director General of the Design and Manufacturing Company Ukrainian Armor, recently attended IDEF 23 arms exhibition in Turkey, where Ukrainian defense companies participated. At the event, Ukrainian products gained attention, as they showcased their capabilities and knowledge gained during the war. The National Association of Defense Industry Enterprises of Ukraine made its debut at the IDEX international exhibition in March 2023 and has since implemented several projects. In just four months, the association has shown promising efficiency, attracting interest from foreign partners and receiving invitations for further collaborations.

During the IDEF 23 exhibition, only a few Ukrainian companies were represented, including UkrSpecSystems, Ukrainian Armor, UkrTac, and others. They showcased automotive and armored vehicles, EW and radar systems, unmanned technology, and personal protection systems. Among the impressive exhibits was the MINI SHARK drone, a new development, and the Bohdana howitzer model with a 155-mm barrel length of 52 calibers presented by Ukrainian Armor company.

Vladyslav Belbas highlighted that foreign defense companies are keen to cooperate with Ukraine, and this interest is not merely theoretical but has already translated into joint production, development, and support of military equipment delivered to Ukraine. As a result, Ukraine aims to attract technology partners to further develop their product lines and scale up their existing production capabilities.