Ukrainian troops break through Russian defense line on 2 southern frontlines. Military expert Serhiy Zgurets

The main details on the front line

Following the wishes of the General Staff and the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine to maintain silence regarding the assessment of counteroffensive actions, I will provide only the main details. The Ukrainian Armed Forces are currently conducting an offensive in the south on multiple fronts. According to official reports and information from our brigades, Ukrainian forces have successfully liberated several settlements south of Velyka Novosilka, including Neskuchne, Storozhove, Blahodatne, and Makarivka. Ukrainian forces are continuing their advance towards the strategic area of Staromlynivka. The objective is to push Ukrainian units forward and narrow down the Russian-held corridor on Ukrainian territory.

The second area of intense fighting is from Orikhove towards Tokmak, where the 47th Brigade was operating. Videos showed Leopards maneuvering through a mined field, demonstrating Ukrainian units’ actions. The battle is ongoing in the direction of Verbove, indicating a breakthrough of the Russian defense line in these two areas. 

Russia has built a complex front line of defense extending deeper into our territory. This line includes various components such as fortified positions, trenches, and "dragon's teeth," in particular, near Tokmak and behind Staromlynivka. However, it's important to recognize that it is the fighters themselves, their motivation, that truly uphold the defense line. We have witnessed the level of motivation among Russian soldiers, including instances where they have killed those who leave the battle lines. I hope that such instances are widespread, and that these are the soldiers who will defend the defense lines that Russia is reinforcing by relocating military units from Kherson to the Zaporizhzhia region.

There are also positive changes in the Bakhmut direction. Today, the spokesperson for the Eastern Military Group, Serhiy Cherevatyi, said that as of June 12, the Ukrainian Defense Forces had advanced 200 to 700 meters on the flanks in the Bakhmut direction, pushing Russian troops back.

It is worth noting that in recent weeks, the Russian forces have been pushed back on the flanks, but they continue to put up resistance. Ukrainian troops are currently focusing on pushing them back on the flanks, specifically in the areas of Klishchiivka and Berkhivka, although Russian forces are redeploying reserves and trying to hold these positions with their remaining strength. Despite having fewer units, Ukrainian defenders are effectively breaking down Russia’s defense and pushing forward, turning the tide of the war in Ukraine’s favor.