Posted 9/17/2023, 1:09:06 PM

Russia Bolsters Defenses in Zaporizhzhia as Ukraine Gains Ground in Southeast Counteroffensive

Russia likely reinforcing defenses around Tokmak in Zaporizhzhia Oblast to bolster second line of defense
Improvements indicate Russia's concern about Ukrainian advances north of Tokmak
Ukraine has liberated over a dozen villages in counteroffensive since June
Ukraine regained 4.8 sq km in Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia Oblasts in past week
Ukraine has retaken 256.5 sq km in southeast since counteroffensive began in June

kyivindependent.com

Relevant topic timeline:

9/6/2023

Ukraine reports frontline success, Russia minister decries Kyiv's failure

Ukraine's military has reported advances and strong defense along the front lines of its war with Russia, with Moscow acknowledging tension in the southern sector but dismissing Kyiv's campaign as unsuccessful.

9/8/2023

Ukraine Gains Ground South of Bakhmut; Russia Builds Up Forces Near Lyman; Missile Strikes Hit 3 Cities; Musk Refuses Starlink for Crimea; Romania Builds Shelters Near Danube

Ukrainian forces have gained control of more than half of the village of Klishchiivka, south of Bakhmut, destroying almost all Russian equipment in the sector, according to Deputy Commander of the 3rd Assault Brigade Maksym Zhorin; however, air strikes and electronic warfare systems remain a challenge for Ukrainian troops.

9/9/2023

Ukraine Gains Ground, Zelenskyy Renews Calls for Arms as Russia Bombs Cities and Plans 'Sham' Votes

Ukrainian Armed Forces advance against Russian positions near Robotyne and maintain pressure on Russian positions south of Bakhmut while Russia faces limitations due to redeployments and slow Western aid, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who also denounces Russian bombing of Ukrainian cities and Moscow-organized local elections in Ukraine.

9/15/2023

Ukraine Retakes Strategic Village South of Bakhmut, Inching Toward Further Gains

Ukraine has recaptured the devastated village of Andriivka, allowing for further advances on the southern flank of Bakhmut, as Russian forces suffer significant casualties and losses of equipment.

9/17/2023

Ukraine Chips Away at Russian Forces, Seeks Strategic Advantage Before Winter

Ukraine's defense intelligence agency head, Lieutenant-General Kyrylo Budanov, asserts that despite the slow progress, Ukraine's counter-offensive against Russia is ongoing, and Russia's defensive line in southern Ukraine has been breached in some places, potentially cutting off land connections to Crimea before winter; however, he acknowledges the risk of Ukraine running down its own resources and the uncertainties regarding the continuation of Western support.

9/21/2023

Zelenskyy Seeks Ongoing US Support in White House Visit As Ukraine Strikes Russian Sites and Cities Face More Attacks

The Ukrainian army claims to have struck a Russian military airfield near the Crimean town of Saky, while several cities and towns in Ukraine were hit by Russian rockets, killing two and injuring others; Poland has announced it will no longer supply weapons to Ukraine amid a growing rift between the two countries over grain.