Ukrainian forces make gains on Russia front line, Kyiv says

Ukrainian forces appear to have pierced through sections of Russia's frontline defenses in southeastern Ukraine, according to reports. The development could mark a breakthrough in Ukraine's three-month-long counteroffensive and would be the first instance in which its forces have penetrated Russian defensive lines, riddled with minefields, trenches, artillery, and other obstacles.



Russia has three main defensive lines across southern Ukraine, including what's known as the Surovikin line outside of the village of Verbove in the Zaporizhzhia Oblast, once an agricultural area and home to roughly 1,000 people. The Surovikin line was constructed under the direction of and named after Russian Gen. Sergei Surovikin, who went missing after the short-lived Wagner rebellion and was later

removed from his role as head of Russia's air force.



Ukraine also appeared to break through a defensive line in the village of Novoprokopivka. Verbove and Novoprokopivka are both near the village of Robotyne, which Ukraine reclaimed Tuesday.