Ukrainian soldiers in Rabotino reported a shortage of manpower, ammunition, and UAVs, while facing constant and intense Russian attacks and retaliations.
When Ukraine announced the recapture of the village of Rabotino on the southern front, it wanted to send a message to the world that it had found a way to break through Russian lines and was gaining momentum. However, six weeks later, Ukraine has not achieved any further breakthroughs in this direction.
Some soldiers from Ukraine's 65th Brigade, who led the offensive on Rabotino, even admitted they did not have complete control of the small village in Zaporizhzhia province.
Eight Ukrainian soldiers involved in the fighting at Rabotino said they were only able to advance gradually when faced with Russian forces defending in fortified positions. Many Ukrainian soldiers at Rabotino complained that their unit lacked personnel, ammunition, and small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Ukrainian soldiers in trenches in the village of Rabotino on October 1. Photo: AFP
Igor Korol, commander of the 1st Battalion of the 65th Brigade, argued that the announcement of retaking Rabotino on August 28th was "primarily a publicity stunt because the village has no strategic value." "We could bypass the village," Korol said. "We like big announcements or quick victories, but the reality is different."
Korol admitted that his soldiers could not move freely around the village of Rabotino due to Russian fire, even though they controlled the settlement. "Moving during the day meant certain death," Korol said. "Every time the Russians shelled, we lost men."
Russian forces have withdrawn from Rabotino, but the village remains within artillery range. This prevents Ukraine from launching large-scale offensives with tanks and armored vehicles.
Ukraine launched a large-scale counteroffensive in early June with the ambitious goal of advancing to the Sea of Azov, cutting off the land corridor from western Russia to areas in the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson provinces and the Crimean Peninsula. If this goal is achieved, Ukraine could force Russian forces to retreat due to the loss of their supply lines.
Russian officials believe that Ukraine's recapture of only a few dozen square kilometers since launching its counteroffensive is evidence that this large-scale operation has failed. The largest city closest to the village of Rabotino is Tokmak, about 30 km away. The Black Sea is 70 km from Rabotino.
Location of the cities of Orekov, Tokmak, Melitopol, and the villages of Rabotino and Verbovoe. Graphic: RYV
Russia has established a strong defensive line with trenches, underground fortifications, anti-tank ditches, and dense minefields. Ukraine has breached the first layer of the Russian defenses in several places, but the entire defensive system remains intact.
Autumn rains, mud, and winter snow in the coming months will make Ukraine's campaign increasingly difficult. They also face a constant threat from the air, such as bombs, artillery shells, and explosive-laden drones ready to rain down as Ukrainian soldiers attempt to advance.
Leonid, a Ukrainian combat engineer, said that Ukrainian soldiers could only advance "for three or five minutes between enemy attacks." "There was no close combat whatsoever," Leonid said, "The Russians attacked with 82 mm and 120 mm mortars, suicide drones, and KAB guided bombs."
Poltava, deputy commander of the 1st battalion of the 85th brigade, stated that Russia "spared no expense in bombing and shelling" to halt the enemy's counterattack, causing heavy losses to Ukrainian units.
"We had to move forward step by step, one bush at a time, not as quickly as we would have liked. The situation was very difficult, and we lost many men," Poltava said.
Ukrainian soldiers in fortifications in the village of Rabotino on October 1. Photo: AFP
Ukrainian soldiers from the 65th Brigade reported that when they fired one or two projectiles at the enemy, Russia retaliated with 10. The level of retaliation was similar when Ukrainian soldiers used small UAVs to attack Russian positions.
"They have more troops and equipment," said Ukrainian soldier Oleksandr. "When they attack, we take shelter in the bunkers. When the attack is over, we will advance if possible."
Ukraine has repeatedly rejected Western claims that it has not regained sufficient territory during the counteroffensive. Ukrainian officials argue that the difficulties in the campaign stem from the West's slow supply of necessary weapons for the offensive.
According to Ukrainian officials, if supplied with F-16 fighter jets, they would challenge Russia's air superiority and defensive lines, as well as provide air support for infantry during counterattacks. Ukrainian soldiers are currently only able to move very slowly due to the lack of air support. "The price to pay is the lives of our soldiers. We have very few personnel reserves," Commander Korol said.
Nguyen Tien (According to AFP )
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