Skip to content
Edit post

ISW: Ukraine makes 'tactically significant' counteroffensive gains

by Abbey Fenbert August 20, 2023 4:48 AM 1 min read
A self-propelled howitzer fires onto Russian positions near the occupied Ukrainian city of Bakhmut on August 17, 2023. (Photo by Roman Chop/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images)
This audio is created with AI assistance

Recent Ukrainian military gains near the Donetsk-Zaporizhzhia border and in western Zaporizhzhia Oblast are likely "tactically significant," the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) wrote in its Aug. 19 report.

"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 ISW said.

The ISW cited Ukrainian advancements near Robotyne as an example. According to a CBS News report on Aug. 18, Ukrainian forces successfully cleared a Russian minefield in the area. This will help counteroffensive troops make progress toward the occupied city of Tokmak, now a logistics hub for the Russian army.

The ISW reported that Ukrainian forces made further advancements north of Robotyne on Aug. 19.

Ukrainian troops also continued counteroffensive operations in three sectors: Berdiansk, Melitopol, and Bakhmut. Colonel Serhiy Cherevaty, spokesperson for the Armed Forces, said that Ukraine holds the initiative in the Bakhmut direction.

Minefields present a daunting obstacle for Ukrainian troops en route to liberate Russian-occupied cities. While recent counteroffensive gains may appear small, the ISW considers them strategically important due to the organization of Russian defenses.

 

News Feed

8:24 PM

Ukraine breaks air service agreement with Iran.

Since the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022, Ukraine's airspace has been closed to all flights due to the risk of Russian attacks. Once air service is restored, flights with Iran will not be resumed.
7:50 PM

Elon Musk joined recent Zelensky-Trump call, Axios reports.

Elon Musk, who has extensive influence on American politics, reportedly was on the line during the recent conversation between President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, saying he would continue to support Ukraine through his Starlink satellites.
MORE NEWS

Editors' Picks

Enter your email to subscribe
Please, enter correct email address
Subscribe
* indicates required
* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required
* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required

Subscribe

* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required
Explaining Ukraine with Kate Tsurkan
* indicates required
Successfuly subscribed
Thank you for signing up for this newsletter. We’ve sent you a confirmation email.