Ukraine claims troops breached Russia’s initial defense line.

Ukraine Breaks Through Russian Defense, Faces Strong Resistance

Ukraine announced on Friday that ⁢its troops had successfully breached Russia’s initial line of ⁢defense in multiple locations. However, ⁣they now face heavily⁢ fortified Russian positions.

Advancement in Zaporizhzhia Region

Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maliar revealed ‍that Kyiv’s troops, in a highly anticipated counteroffensive against Russian forces, were making progress in the Zaporizhzhia region. The United States also acknowledged significant⁢ advancements on ⁣the southern⁢ front‌ in ⁣the ‍past ⁢72 hours.

“There is an offensive in several directions and in certain areas. And in some places,‍ in certain areas, this first line was broken through. In some areas it ‍was not broken through, the situation is different‍ there,” Maliar stated during a ​television interview.

However, Maliar added that Kyiv’s troops, who ⁣have been engaged in intense battles for nearly three months, have now⁢ encountered major ⁣Russian defensive fortifications.

“Where we have already moved to the next ‌line… the enemy is much more fortified there and,‍ in addition to the mining, we also see concrete fortifications, for example, under the main commanding heights, and our ⁤armed forces⁢ have to overcome a lot ‌of obstacles in order to ⁢move forward,” ⁣she explained.

Notable Progress⁢ Recognized by⁢ the United ⁤States

In Washington,⁤ White House National ⁢Security Council spokesman John Kirby acknowledged the “notable progress” made by Ukrainian armed forces ⁤on the southern front, originating from the Zaporizhzhia ⁢area.

“They have achieved some ⁤success against that ​second line‌ of Russian defenses,” Kirby‌ stated, emphasizing‌ that⁤ it was up‍ to Ukraine to capitalize​ on this success.

Kirby ‍also cautioned that there is still tough fighting ahead and the possibility of a​ Russian ⁢counteroffensive.

Counteroffensive Progress and ‍Challenges

Ukraine‘s counteroffensive has not yet recaptured any major settlements, but it has reclaimed ‌over a dozen small ⁤villages. The recent capture of Robotyne village revealed⁣ Russian-occupied high ground, extensive anti-tank ditches, and concrete fortifications visible from space.

Russia has already dismissed ‌the Ukrainian‍ push as a failure. Kyiv argues that it‍ is deliberately advancing slowly to minimize losses ⁢and ⁤faces difficulties due to the lack of air‌ power⁤ enjoyed by its Western allies.

This week, Kyiv expressed frustration over news reports quoting ⁣unidentified U.S.⁣ officials criticizing its slow progress. Concerns arise that Western support may waver ​as colder and wetter weather further impedes battlefield progress later this year.

No ⁢Room for Negotiation

In an interview, senior presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak stated that any negotiations with Russia at this point would be seen as a “capitulation” for ‌both⁣ Ukraine and its democratic allies.

Podolyak emphasized that Ukraine‘s Western allies, who ⁣have provided ⁢significant military ⁣aid for​ the counteroffensive, understand that there can⁤ be no compromise with Moscow in this war.

“At the moment, the partners⁤ understand ⁢that ​this war will no longer end in a compromise⁤ solution—that is, either we destroy Russia’s capabilities by military means, and to do this we need‍ the appropriate tools,⁤ or this war with such level ⁢of aggression will⁢ continue for some time,” Podolyak⁣ explained.

(Reporting by Tom Balmforth and Olena Harmash ​in ⁢Kyiv, Trevor‍ Hunnicitt and Susan Heavey in Washington;‌ editing by Peter Graff)