![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/78\/590x\/secondary\/Ukraine-war-latest-Russia-4970339.jpg?r=1695285791294\")
<\/p>\n
Earlier this month, Ukraine captured the village of Robotyne and breached Russia\u2019s first – and main – line of defence on the southern front. For months, Ukrainian progress had slowed in the face of Russian tank traps, minefields and so-called dragon’s teeth – large, triangular concrete blocs meant to impede armoured vehicles.<\/p>\n
Kyiv has now been attempting to widen that breach, attacking south towards Novoprokopivka and southwest towards Verbove.<\/p>\n
Barros added: \u201cThe Ukrainians in this video likely drove down a country road that creates a hole in the ditch and teeth lines\u2026It indicates that Ukrainian forces have likely defeated local Russian’s defence in this section of the line.\u201d<\/p>\n
The news of a fresh assault on the southern front comes amid good news for Kyiv in the east where Ukraine\u2019s forces have seized the towns of Klishchiivka and Andriivka near Bakhmut.<\/p>\n
Don’t miss… <\/strong> We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n Ukrainian sources have claimed that three of Putin\u2019s best brigades were virtually destroyed during the assault on Andriivka.<\/p>\n The 72nd Motor Rifle Brigade as well as the elite 31st and 83rd Air Assault Brigades were operating in the area and ISW has suggested the Airborne (VDV) brigades likely suffered heavy losses.<\/p>\n In addition, reports from Russian soldiers fighting in the region suggest an under-equipped force sent in only to be savaged by Ukraine artillery, including cluster bombs.<\/p>\n Russian commanders are said to be desperately throwing Russian troops to retake the key towns in the east which sit on higher ground than Bakhmut.<\/p>\n The ISW reported: \u201cRussian servicemen and mil bloggers revealed that the Russian military command orders Russian troops to carry out “ill-conceived and unsupported” counterattacks on Bakhmut\u2019s southern flank to urgently regain lost ground.\u201d<\/p>\n Previously there were reports that Moscow had moved forces from the eastern front to shore up its embattled defences in the south.<\/p>\n It\u2019s possible those movements weakened Russia\u2019s eastern flank and allowed Ukrainian forces to exploit that weakness.<\/p>\n
Zelensky urges Donald Trump to show him his Ukraine peace plan to end war[REPORT] <\/strong>
Chilling moment Russian soldiers are cut down by Ukrainian cluster munitions[VIDEO] <\/strong>
Ukraine wipes out three of Putin\u2019s best combat brigades in devastating counter[ANALYSIS] <\/strong><\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/78\/590x\/secondary\/Ukraine-war-latest-Russia-4970338.jpg?r=1695285791353\")
<\/p>\n