Ukrainian advance near Robotyne: ISW analyses implications for Ukrainian Armed Forces 

This is stated in the report of the Institute for the Study of War (ISW)

It is noted that on August 19, Ukrainian troops launched counteroffensives in at least three areas of the frontline, advancing on the Avdiivka-Donetsk line and in the west of the Zaporizhzhia region.  

Thus, according to the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Ukrainian forces are conducting offensive operations in the Berdyansk (near the border of Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions) and Melitopol (western Zaporizhzhia region) directions. Additional geolocation footage released on August 19 shows that Ukrainian forces have advanced north of Robotyne in the western Zaporizhzhia region. 

In addition, Colonel Serhiy Cherevatyi, spokesman for the Eastern Group of Ukrainian troops, said that the Ukrainian military continued to hold the initiative in the Bakhmut direction. Geolocation video footage released on August 16 shows that Ukrainian forces recently made a limited advance east of Nevelske, directly west of Donetsk city. 

The day before, anonymous US officials said that Ukrainian forces were advancing toward Tokmak in the western Zaporizhzhia region and had cleared a Russian minefield north of Tokmak. US officials are likely referring to recent Ukrainian offensives north and east of Robotyne, which is located approximately 23 kilometers northeast of Tokmak.

ISW has previously assessed that recent Ukrainian advances near small settlements in the Donetsk-Zaporizhzhia border area and the western Zaporizhzhia region are likely to be of tactical importance due to the structure of Russian defensive lines.

"These advances may allow Ukrainian forces to begin operating in less heavily mined areas of the Russian line of defense that are likely more conducive to more rapid Ukrainian gains," the Institute said in its report.

• On August 16, the Ukrainian military completely liberated Urozhaine, Donetsk region. The Ukrainian defense forces are consolidating their positions.

• Later, ISW pointed out that the Ukrainian Armed Forces possess numerous possibilities to disrupt vital Russian overland passages along the northern coastline of the Sea of Azov, with the liberation of Melitopol being just one of these potential approaches.