ISW: Breakthrough of Russian defense in Robotino of great tactical importance

The counter-offensive of the Ukrainian army near Robotino and Urozhayne in the southern direction is likely to be of great tactical importance due to the structure of the Russian defense lines.

According to experts, the three-layered line of Russian defense in southern Ukraine consists of the first line of minefields several kilometers deep, the second line with the concentration of artillery, equipment and personnel, as well as the third line of rear positions, which is designed to accumulate and save resources, RBC-Ukraine says with reference to an ISW report.

It is assumed that the breakthrough of the defense line near several settlements may allow the Ukrainian Armed Forces to begin operations in areas beyond the densest minefields. If the areas around the Russian second line of defense are not so heavily mined, then this will probably contribute to a faster Ukrainian offensive.

Key takeaways from ISW:

• Russian forces have invested considerable effort and resources in holding onto settlements such as Robotino and Urozhaynoye, so recent UAF successes likely reflect a broader degradation of Russian defense forces.
• Russia's efforts to increase the production of Iranian Shahed-136/-131 drones indicate that the Russian Federation is aiming to develop plans for major strikes against Ukraine.
• Russian reports on the condition of the bridge over the Chongar in the occupied Kherson region indicate that Ukrainian strikes disrupted the main Russian land line with Crimea for 11 days.
• On August 17, Russian troops conducted offensive operations at the Kupyansk-Svatovo-Kremennaya line and in the Bakhmut area.
• Ukrainian troops continued counter-offensive operations in at least three sectors of the front and advanced in the Bakhmut area and in the Zaporozhye region.
• On August 16, the Armed Forces of Ukraine liberated the village of Urozhaynoye, which is located near Staromayorsky, Donetsk region. At the same time, as Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Defense Anna Malyar noted the offensive operations are continuing.