Ukraine Breaks Through the Final Russian Defensive Line at Verbove

The Russian defense is showing cracks

Soldiers clearing a trench (Licensed Image)

Ukrainian armored units have made significant progress by moving to the south of the Russian anti-tank ditches and dragon’s teeth barriers in Western Zaporizhzhia.

The location of the breach circled in blue. Screenshot of Ukraine frontline in Western Zaporizhzhia from ISW. Blue and Orange sketches added by author

Towards the end of June, Sputnik, a Russian state-owned media entity, proudly declared that Ukrainians could not breach the Surovikin line. They presented several reasons, some of which were indeed valid. For instance, “The defensive lines consist of a complex and multilayered system, including infantry trenches, anti-personnel and anti-tank minefields, and anti-tank barriers known as ‘the dragon’s teeth.’ Additionally, elevated earthen berms are strategically placed to shield military equipment and provide additional protection.”

The defensive structures in Western Zaporizhzhia were extensive and multilayered, contributing to the…