![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/78\/590x\/secondary\/UKRAINE-4976090.jpg?r=1695587972859\")
<\/p>\n
The leading commander continued: “Intense rains in the fall can make the ground in Ukraine soggy and make movement with heavy machinery, like tanks, more difficult, but Ukraine\u2019s forces move in small groups, mostly on foot.”<\/p>\n
He said that Ukraine was relying on “assault squads, groups of 10 to 15 men” to take on Russian forces, instead of large battalions.<\/p>\n
Also in the interview, the general, who is leading Ukraine\u2019s counteroffensive along the southern front line, confirmed that his forces had broken through in the town of Verbove.<\/p>\n
Satellite maps from the US-based think tank Institute for the Studies of War (ISW) supported General Tarnavsky’s claims of a breakthrough.<\/p>\n
Don’t miss… <\/strong> We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n The ISW said that Ukrainian infantry is “slowly and systematically” fighting through Russian fighting positions between Robotyne and Verbove,<\/p>\n The thinktank added: “The ISW continues to assess that the Russian military does not have sufficient forces deployed to this sector of the front to completely man its defenses in depth and that Ukrainian forces should be able to operate through Russian field fortifications more rapidly if they are not properly manned.”<\/p>\n General Tarnavsky also predicted an even bigger breakthrough imminently, naming Tokmak, a strategic hub for Russia, as a major target.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, Ukraine launched another missile attack on Sevastopol on the occupied Crimean Peninsula on Saturday.<\/p>\n This comes a day after a devastating attack on the headquarters of Russia\u2019s Black Sea Fleet<\/p>\n Crimea, illegally annexed by Russia in 2014, has been a frequent target for Ukrainian forces since Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.<\/p>\n
Next pandemic ‘on the way’ as UK chiefs warn Disease X could kill 50 million[WORLD] <\/strong>
South China sea tensions worsen as floating barrier is deployed in latest block[LATEST] <\/strong>
Putin’s troops scramble to find ‘hundreds’ bodies in locked Sevastopol[LIVE BLOG] <\/strong><\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/78\/590x\/secondary\/UKRAINE-4976091.jpg?r=1695587972920\")
<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/78\/590x\/secondary\/UKRAINE-4976093.jpg?r=1695587972969\")
<\/p>\n