Decisive Phase Begins: Ukrainian Forces Advance Towards The Sea of Azov

Reaching the coastal area is a matter of weeks for the Ukrainian Army after a totally successful breakthrough of the Russian defences.

Former Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alfred Koch announced in an interview for the "Fabrika Novin" (News Factory) the next stage of the offensive of the Armed Forces of Ukraine with a breakthrough in the enemy's defences.

If the Armed Forces of Ukraine are able to cross the first minefields of the Russians, break through their defences and enter the operational space, then they will be able to complete the objectives from the General Staff of Ukraine, Alfred Kokh assured.

The Russian politician believes that the Ukrainian Defence Forces could well have already broken through a corridor in the enemy’s defences. They are to scale it out now, moving towards the Sea of Azov. In his opinion, the Ukrainians can reach the coast in 1-3 weeks.

A Russian oppositionist living in exile expressed his opinion about the possible tasks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine ensuring the success of the offensive: “They took Staromayorske - this is a great achievement, it seems to me so. This is a serious step. The fact is that, as I understand it, the Surovikin defences are arranged in such a way that first there are extensive minefields, then the first and second line of defence, and so on.

The first defence line is the strongest, the second is already weaker, and the third is occupied by the Kadyrovites, who are filming TikTok videos.

Factually, the Armed Forces of Ukraine need to solve three tasks: find minefields (under bombing and air raids) and reach the first defence line. Break through the first and second defence lines and that’s all, and advance towards Mariupol or Melitopol, anywhere.”

Alfred Koch suggested how long it would take the Armed Forces of Ukraine to reach the Sea of Azov coastal area: “The first task (crossing the minefields) has been completed and they have reached the first defence line. I don't know if the most difficult task has been completed or if it's just the first one, but it's completed. They actually reached the first defence line, although some sources say that the Armed Forces of Ukraine have already broken through the first defence line in some sectors. If this is true, they are to throw all the forces to this area of breakthrough so that they broaden it and go forward. Then, indeed, in 1-3 weeks we will reach the Sea of Azov.”