A Blog by Jonathan Low

 

Aug 14, 2023

Ukrainian Troops Have Forced Russians To Abandon Strategic Hub Urozhaine

Slowly and then quickly. The Ukrainian strategy has been predicated on wearing down Russian defenses until they break. 

This appears to be what has happened at Urozhaine, a key node in the Russian front line, which has now fallen under relentless Ukrainian pressure enhanced by creative surprise nightime assaults using pontoon bridges. JL 

The Euromaidan Press reports:

Increased Russian reinforcements in Urozhaine (inspired) Ukrainians to recognize a strategic opportunity to weaken Russian forces via indirect fire. Russian forces faced delays in receiving essential aid, prompting a retreat due to their confinement to the village’s northern trenches. The breach of this defensive line facilitated Ukrainian advancements.Ukrainians launched two (surprise) assaults from the east and west. Concealed pontoon bridges were placed in the tree lines, creating a nighttime river passage.Russian tank units frequently declined infantry fire support. This lack of synergy contributed to losing tactical heights around Staromaiorske and Urozhaine


Recently, Ukrainian forces decided to reduce the intensity of ground attacks as they noted increased Russian reinforcements in the area of Urozhaine. Ukrainians recognized this as a strategic opportunity to weaken Russian forces efficiently via indirect fire.

Screenshot from the video

Geolocation-based footage illustrates Ukrainian monitoring of Russian reinforcements and their subsequent targeting of concentrated forces. Recent Ukrainian reconnaissance corroborated a significant depletion of Russian reserves, prompting a gradual resurgence in ground operations.

Screenshot from the video
Screenshot from the video

The initial phase witnessed Ukrainian marines from the 35th and 36th Brigades launching probing attacks from the north and northeast.

Screenshot from the video

These operations were notably successful, enabling Ukrainian forces to gain a foothold in the northern part of the village by midnight. Satellite imagery demonstrated that the northern sector comprised several strong points, including trench networks constructed by the Russians.

Screenshot from the video

Subsequently, the Ukrainians capitalized on their gains, initiating assaults on adjacent strongholds. Russian sources reported Ukrainian tank deployment for fire support at a distance. Geolocated footage confirmed Ukrainian tank maneuvers that effectively intercepted Russian reinforcements and restricted their village movement.

Screenshot from the video

Consequently, Russian forces faced delays in receiving essential aid, prompting a retreat due to their confinement to the village’s northern trenches. The breach of this defensive line facilitated Ukrainian advancements.

Screenshot from the video

However, Ukrainian forces opted to maintain a defensive position within the breached trenches, anticipating forthcoming heavy artillery fire. Amid this stance, another marine unit covertly prepared a surprise attack. Unexpectedly, Ukrainians launched two new lines of assault from the east and west. Concealed pontoon bridges were discovered in the tree lines, creating a nighttime river passage.

Screenshot from the video

This maneuver encircled Russian forces in the village’s southern sector, compelling them to abandon positions and hastily retreat.

Screenshot from the video

Initial Russian claims suggested the settlement’s retention and preparation for a counterattack in the north. Subsequent geolocated footage refuted these claims, exposing Russian losses and a failed counterattack, with cluster munitions decimating their assault units.

Screenshot from the video

Russian analysts promptly began attributing the defense line’s collapse to leadership failures. The broader blame extended to the entire Russian 37th Brigade for inadequate organizational efforts. Insights revealed commanders’ struggles to enforce discipline and concerns over troop shortages, masking the reality of a perpetually intoxicated rearward half of the forces.

Screenshot from the video

Moreover, inter-unit coordination proved disastrous, as Russian tank divisions frequently declined infantry fire support on the front lines. This lack of synergy contributed to losing tactical heights around Staromaiorske and Urozhaine, resulting in substantial casualties until further action became untenable.

Ukrainians effectively capitalized on Russian retreat from the village, gaining control over several strong points to its south. The deteriorating front line suggests an impending collapse, signaling the onset of the battle for Zavitne Bazhania.

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