 Russia's defence line is collapsing in Ukraine. The Russians have devoted considerable effort, resources and personnel to holding Robotino and Eurydino, so Ukraine's recent successes in these areas are indicative of the degradation of Russian defences. This was mentioned in the report of the US Institute for the Study of War. They said that the Russians lacked significant operational reserves and that Russian's intensive efforts to hold these positions rather than withdrawing its forces meant that the Ukrainian army completely weakened Russian units before the attack. Besides, bringing Russian military forces here from other areas shows that the recent attacks of Ukraine have greatly weakened the positions of the Russian forces, which have been defending the west of Zaporizia region without rotation since the start of the counter-offensive. Russia's lack of operational resources means that Russian troops will have to reinforce some sectors of the front at the expense of others. This will generally weaken Russia's defence lines and give Ukrainian forces the opportunity to use it. A retired Australian general, Mick Ryan, told the Economist that the defensive lines that Russia had built in Ukraine as much more complex and deadly than anything experienced by any military in nearly 80 years. Ukraine started its long-awaited counter-offensive in June aimed at taking back territory in the east and south of the country, but it has made only marginal gains.