Ukrainian heavy equipment has successfully breached the first line of Russian fortifications, known as the "Surovikin Line," for the first time in the area near the village of Verbovo in the Zaporizhzhia region. OSINT analysts have reported this based on published videos of Russian attacks from Ukrainian heavy machinery, according to the Telegram channel "Agency. News."
George Barros, an analyst at the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW), believes that heavy machinery has crossed the anti-transport ditch and the "Dragon's Teeth" obstacles in this direction for the first time. As noted by military analyst Rob Lee, armored vehicles such as Stryker, Marder BMP, and MaxxPro APC have successfully passed through the defensive line.
Barros adds that the Ukrainian equipment seen in the video likely traveled along a road that was probably preserved during the construction of the ditch and the line with "Dragon's Teeth." This likely indicates that the Ukrainian Armed Forces may have defeated the Russian defense in this sector, the expert adds.
The advancement of Ukrainian heavy equipment in this area represents a significant development in the front, noted Rob Lee. It is possible that Ukrainian forces are preparing for a new offensive, according to Barros.
It's worth noting that Ukrainian troops first breached the defensive structures in the Verbovo area at the end of August. In early September, the Ukrainian Armed Forces managed to expand the gap in the Russian defense. However, ISW analysts couldn't confirm a breakthrough of the "Surovikin Line" at that time since Ukrainian heavy equipment had not yet appeared in that area.
Following the initial reports of Ukraine's successes in the Zaporizhzhia region, Western intelligence agencies began to cautiously assess the prospects for further advancement of Ukrainian forces toward Tokmak.
