US sees 'significant progress' by Ukrainian army in the south of the country

(Patria) - Ukrainian forces have made "significant progress" in their attack on heavily fortified Russian positions in the south, the US government says.

White House security spokesperson John Kirby said that these results were achieved in the last 72 hours south of Zaporizhzhia, the BBC reported.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba told CNN that Kyiv's forces are advancing, but "it is a difficult fight." Kirby said that Kyiv itself has admitted that the operation in the south is going slower than expected.

"They have achieved some success against that second line of Russian defense," he said.

Earlier this week, the Ukrainian army announced that it had captured the village of Robotyne in the Zaporizhzhia region. Russia is believed to have built an elaborate system of trenches and tunnels, defended by minefields, as well as artillery positions and so-called "dragon's teeth" - anti-tank concrete barriers.

Kyiv launched its counteroffensive after securing more advanced weapons from its Western allies and preparing assault battalions. But progress has been slow, and Kyiv continues to call on NATO countries to supply tanks, demining equipment, and fighter jets – especially US-made F-16 fighter jets.