2023-08-31 13:55:40
In the midst of a counter-offensive, Ukraine has gained a few kilometers with the conquest of a village in the south-east of the country in recent days. franceinfo was able to reach one of the leaders of an infantry unit that fought.
For several days, the Ukrainian authorities have announced a change in strategy within the framework of the counter-offensive. The country’s foreign minister, who was speaking to French diplomats in Paris on Wednesday, made no secret of the goal set by Kiev: to now move towards Crimea, in the south, to isolate this peninsula occupied by the Russians since 2014.
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This week, Ukrainian troops took a first step towards that goal with the conquest of the village of Robotyne, in the Zaporizhia region of southeastern Ukraine. A few kilometers taken back from the Russians, but the progression was slowed down by the defense systems put in place by the occupants.
“The Russian troops had time to prepare for this counter-offensive”
Igor and the men of the 47th brigade will have taken two months to conquer this small village of Robotyne, transformed into a veritable fortress. “When we raised the flag on Robotyne, and when we know at what price we did it, of course, we felt positive emotions inside us, says Igor. Russian troops have been there for over a year. They had time to prepare for this counter-offensive.”explains the head of unit.
And he continues: “So they built fortifications, anti-tank trenches and concrete blocks that prevent the machines from advancing”. So, Igor and his unit try to find a way, across the field, with the tanks.
“On a ground where our machines want to pass, there can be 100, 200 anti-tank mines, perhaps even more.”
Igor, brigade commander
At franceinfo
But we have to advance because when they are stopped by a minefield, the soldiers are the target of artillery and tanks. “In the small woods, five guys of ours, on two square meters, jumped at the same time on mines. On this small perimeter, it is to say to you that the quantity of antipersonnel mines is also very important.”
Precarious victory
Thanks to the intelligence service, Igor’s brigade manages to obtain the plans of the Russian minefields. Progress is made easier. Then comes the close combat in the village and finally the victory.
“I’m not going to tell you that it was easy. A lot of guys are mentally and physically tired. But we have great motivation.”
Igor, brigade commander
at franceinfo
He explains that “everyone understood that Robotyne was important to our operation”. The village is located high up and “Thanks to this position, it will be easier to move forward.“ Simpler, it remains to be seen, because Igor confesses it himself, now time is running out: “Everyone understands that as soon as the rainy season starts, the progress will not be the same as today.”
And everyone understands that the main objective of the Ukrainians, Crimea, is still far away: more than 200 kilometers from Robotyne.
“We have a great motivation”, says a soldier who participated in the conquest of Robotyne
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