Russian forces attempt to prevent Ukrainian troops from gaining foothold in Kherson Oblast – ISW report
Ukrainian forces may have pushed back Russian troops from the western outskirts of Robotyne, while Russian invasion forces aim to prevent them from consolidating their presence on the left bank of Kherson Oblast, reads a new report by U.S. think tank the Institute for the Study of War or ISW.
Ukrainian forces are continuing their offensive near Bakhmut and in the western part of Zaporizhzhya Oblast. Citing claims from a Russian “renowned war correspondent,” the ISW reports that Ukrainian troops may have advanced westward from Novofedorivka in Zaporizhzhya Oblast, positioning themselves about six kilometers from the town.
Read also: Russia's use of Storm-Z units, expected focus of Putin's upcoming re-election campaign messaging
Another source claimed that Ukrainian defense forces carried out mechanized attacks along the Robotyne-Novoprokopivka line, employing up to 10 tanks and armored vehicles. According to Ukrainian military observer Kostiantyn Mashovets, Ukrainian forces managed to push back Russian troops from the western outskirts of Robotyne. He noted that elements of Russia’s 247th Airborne Regiment (7th Airborne Division) withdrew several hundred meters towards Novofedorivka.
Analyzing the situation in Kherson Oblast, ISW concluded that Russian forces are attempting to obstruct Ukrainian efforts to supply and fortify their “recently acquired positions” on the left bank.
Referring to Russian media and ISW’s “war correspondents,” the report mentions that Ukrainian military personnel have taken positions in the village of Krynky, advanced nearly two kilometers to the south of it, and are “fighting for full control” of the settlement.
Russian “war correspondents” also claimed that occupiers are shelling Ukrainian positions near the Antonivkskiy road bridge to the north of Oleshky, and the Antonivkskiy railway bridge, north of the village of Poyma. According to one of them, clashes occurred near Krynky and Pisky, although most “Russian sources” indicated that Russian forces primarily used aviation and artillery, attempting to dislodge Ukrainian forces from their positions on the left bank.
Analysts speculate that Ukrainian troops may have repelled another “intensive offensive operation” by occupiers on the Avdiyivka direction, causing significant casualties among enemy personnel and equipment.
Ukrainian and Russian “sources” reported that Russian forces conducted another assault on Avdiyivka between Oct. 19 and 20, and geolocation video materials from Oct. 21, as mentioned in the report, confirm “minor successes” by the occupiers to the northwest of Avdiyivka near a local slag heap. The day before, Oleksandr Shtupun, Tavria front defense forces spokesperson, said that Russian activity had decreased somewhat.
“The fact that Russian troops continue to push waves of personnel and equipment into an offensive in the Avdiyivka area indicates that Russian command will persist in prioritizing this direction, despite substantial losses and the overall poor quality of Russian troops engaged in the offensive,” write the analysts, adding that Russia’s military leadership seems to consider this direction their “primary task.”
We’re bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!
Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
