"No signs in Tokmak": local deputy tells how people in occupation identify markers of Russian retreat

This was stated by Serhiy Lyshenko, a deputy of the Zaporizhzhia Regional Council, on the air of Espreso.

"The locals have several clear markers whether the Russians really plan to leave the territory. There are local chains of household stores. From previous attempts to create the illusion of leaving, we saw one important nuance regarding the removal of food from stores. If the Russian invaders are really retreating, it is local entrepreneurs who start taking their goods out. If the goods just stay on the shelves in the stores, it is a simulation of the withdrawal, creating a situation to lure the Ukrainian Armed Forces, creating a picture for their own propaganda purposes, etc." he said.

According to Lyshenko, there are no signs in Tokmak that the locals notice.

"Those with whom I spoke do not confirm the information about the evacuation. The fact that they have announced the evacuation may be the same measure as when they said on 9 May that they had evacuated the 'authorities' from Enerhodar, Vasylivka, etc.", he concluded.

The Ukrainian Armed Forces' offensive in the Zaporizhzhia region

On August 21, Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense reported that the Ukrainian Armed Forces were successful near Robotyne and south of Mala Tokmachka in the Zaporizhzhia region.

On August 22, the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces stated that the Ukrainian military had succeeded in the direction of Robotyne, Zaporizhzhia region, and were consolidating the lines they had reached. At the same time, the Russian army is relocating its troops and using reserves.

Also on August 22, Ukrainian defenders of the 47th separate mechanized brigade entered the village of Robotyne, Zaporizhzhia region, and organized the evacuation of civilians. Ukrainian Armed Forces soldier Viktor Burlyk reported that the Ukrainian army had entered Robotyne, but that Russian units were still on the outskirts. 

On August 23, soldiers of the 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade raised a Ukrainian flag with Commander-in-chief Zaluzhnyi's signature in the village of Robotyne in the Melitopol direction.

Later, the Institute for the Study of War noted that the Ukrainian Defense Forces had made further tactically significant gains in the western part of Zaporizhzhia region, and were likely advancing through a complex array of Russian troops’ defensive positions.

On August 28, Ukraine’s Defense Ministry confirmed liberation of Robotyne in Zaporizhzhia region.

On August 29, the General Staff reported that Ukrainian army succeeded in Zaporizhzhia region.