UKRAINE has smashed through Russian front lines in a huge tank assault.
President Zelensky said his “guys had very good results”.
Ukraine smashed through Russian front lines in a huge tank assault
EPARussia’s Vladimir Putin admitted fighting had intensified significantly[/caption]
He promised: “More details later.”
Russia’s Vladimir Putin admitted fighting had intensified significantly.
Terrified Russian officials in occupied Zaporizhzhia in the south claimed thousands of Ukrainian troops had launched a lightning push on Wednesday with 100 German Leopard tanks and US Bradley Fighting Vehicles.
Moscow insisted its troops had repelled the assaults.
But think tank The Institute for the Study of War said Ukraine had broken through pre-prepared defensive positions in a “significant mechanised counteroffensive”.
Analysts said Ukraine’s force was smaller than Moscow had claimed.
Footage showed troops advanced several kilometres around the village of Robotyne.
Pro-war Russian blogger Rybar said fierce battles were raging.
Ukraine is trying to cut supply lines to Crimea.
US officials said the blitz was the main thrust of Ukraine’s summer push.
But Western sources insisted Kyiv had still not committed its main reserve force, which includes UK Challenger 2 tanks. Progress has been slow due to well-made Russian minefields and trenches.
Ukraine’s Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar reported more progress near Bakhmut.
Putin’s Russia-Africa summit appeared to flop in St Petersburg. Just 17 leaders attended, down from 43 two years ago.
Moscow claimed officials from 49 of Africa’s 54 nations were there.
