 Ukrainian troops had advanced 16 to 19 kilometers in the direction of Buryansk and Militopol. American analysts believe that Ukrainian forces have made somewhat bigger advances along two major lines of attack over the past few months. That's according to the New York Times. Military analysts said Ukrainian troops had advanced 10 to 12 miles or 16 to 19 kilometers along two main lines of attack in Kiev's drive to reach the southern coast and sever Russian supply lines. During the ground war, the Ukrainians are advancing south along two principal lines of attack. Through the eastern village of Staromysk, toward the Russian-occupied city of Buryansk, a port on the sea of Azov, and farther west toward the Russian-occupied city of Militopol, a vital transportation hub near the coast. The amount of territory seized 10 to 12 miles on both vectors of attack while relatively small is important in that it is compelling Moscow to divert forces from other parts of the frontline. Military analysts say the article reads, the Institute for the Study of War called the advances tactically significant, saying Moscow's redeployment would most likely further weaken Russian defense lines in aggregate, creating opportunities for any Ukrainian breakthrough to be potentially decisive. In the Buryansk sector, Ukraine has consolidated gains around the ruined village of Staromysk, which it recaptured in late July and appears to be pushing toward the Russian stronghold of Urazaen, according to the Ukrainian military and military analysts. At the same time, Russian forces are mounting their own offensive operations in northeastern Ukraine around the city of Kupyansk. By forcing Ukraine to defend their, military analysts say Russia is most likely trying to draw Ukrainian forces from other areas where they are on the offensive. According to the article, Ukraine has devoted thousands of soldiers, including some of its most experienced and battle-hardened marines and armor, to the campaign that drives south down the Mokriyali River Valley. If they can manage to push through or around Urazaen, that will put them within 50 miles or 80 kilometers of the two major port cities of Buryansk and Mariupol on the sea of Azov. And with each mile they advance, the Ukrainian forces put more pressure on the Russian supply lines, the New York Times wrote.