Ukraine: "Breakthrough of Russian Southern Occupied Area Defense Line... Kherson to Be Recovered Soon"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The Ukrainian military announced that it has broken through the main Russian defensive line in the southern strategic region of Kherson, putting the Russian forces continuously on the defensive. If Ukraine recaptures the entire Kherson region, it is expected that the connection between major Russian-occupied areas will collapse, further worsening the situation for Russia.

According to the Associated Press on the 3rd (local time), Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declared in a video speech the previous night, "Our forces have recaptured the Arkhanhelsk and Myroliubivka areas of Kherson, which Russia had declared annexed." These areas are adjacent to Kherson city, the capital of Kherson province, and it is analyzed that the Ukrainian military has broken through Russia's defensive line in the Kherson region.

Russia also acknowledged that Ukrainian forces have penetrated deep into Kherson. Igor Konashenkov, spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Defense, stated at a press briefing that "Ukrainian forces, spearheaded by superior tank units, have penetrated deep into our defensive lines," but added, "However, our troops are counterattacking from pre-prepared defensive positions, inflicting heavy damage on the Ukrainian forces."

With the Ukrainian military breaking through the main defensive line in Kherson, the Russian forces remaining west of the Dnipro River are now in a situation where their supply lines are completely cut off. Up to 25,000 Russian troops are stationed in this area. If the supply-cut Russian forces surrender or retreat en masse, it is expected that the Russian military will have to withdraw from the entire Kherson region.

Ukrainian military expert Ole Zhdanov pointed out, "The Russian forces have already lost their offensive capability and will lose their defensive capability today or tomorrow," adding, "Our forces have cut off the Russian supply routes over the past month, and the Russian forces are currently operating with minimal supplies." He predicted that Kherson will soon be recaptured.