Ukrainian troops pass Serovikin line: 'Now it gets interesting'

Chiem Balduk

Foreign editor

Ukrainian troops have managed to pass the main defense line in the south. It concerns the so-called Surovikin line, named after the Russian commander who was responsible for the construction of the strong Russian defense lines last winter. Military experts speak of an important step in the counteroffensive.

Verified images show that Ukrainian troops, presumably reconnaissance units, are present at the village of Verbove in the Zaporizhia region. That would mean that the soldiers have defied several defenses. The message follows shortly after the liberation of the village of Robotyne, which lies just before the Surovikin line.

The presence in Verbove is a more important development than the capture of Robotyne, says Belgian Lieutenant Colonel Tom Simoens of the Royal Military School in Brussels. "Robotyne was in the 'crumple zone', in which the Russians held back and exhausted the Ukrainians. Verbove is a step further. If you break through this line, things can go quickly."

However, there is no breakthrough yet. It is still unclear whether the presence of troops was temporary or permanent. For the time being, it seems that the Russians are retaining control over the village, says Simoens. "Russian attack helicopters can be seen over Verbove. They only fly over their own area."

Hand out blows
It is clear, however, that the Russians are concerned about this local Ukrainian advance, says former commander of the Land Forces Mart de Kruif. "There are signs that the Russians are moving units elsewhere and moving them here. That is significant."

Conversely, it is also becoming clear that the Ukrainians are fully committed to this point in order to maintain momentum. "We see Ukrainian units active that we have not yet seen. We also see more Western equipment appearing in this area," says De Kruif. "That is a sign that they are now using the center of gravity."

The Ukrainian counter-offensive is progressing more slowly and slowly than expected, mainly because of the strong Russian defenses. The strategy was therefore adjusted : no major attack, but many small steps in the hope of exhausting the enemy. "But you can't always throw one blow and then let the other recover," says Simoens. "You also have to throw a punch and make sure the other person stays on the ground."

That is why former commander De Kruif will closely monitor the front in the coming days. "If the Ukrainians progress now, that means the next Russian lines are weak and it could go fast. If they don't progress, they've lost momentum here. So it's definitely going to be interesting."