Ukrainian forces break through Russian defense near Verbove in Zaporizhzhia region

He stated this in an interview with CNN.

"On the left flank [near Verbove] we have a breakthrough and we continue to advance further], and we continue to advance," Tarnavsky said.

He admitted, however, that his troops were moving slower than expected: "Not as fast as it was expected, not like in the movies about the Second World War. The main thing is not to lose this initiative (that we have). And, well, not to lose it in practice, with actions."

General Tarnavsky also said that winter would not hinder the Ukrainian counter-offensive, as most of the military advances are now taking place on foot.

• The day before, it was reported that the Ukrainian Armed Forces' heavy equipment had for the first time overcome the Russian fortifications of Surovikin's first line near the village of Verbove in Zaporizhzhia region.

• Tarnavsky also stated that the biggest breakthrough in this counter-offensive is still ahead. To do this, Ukrainian troops need to reach Tokmak, which is the minimum task of the counter-offensive