If so, then not much support to keep the path they took from being mined? Lack of manpower?
Probably mining with artillery.
Apparently the Ukes are playing that game also.
“Ukraine is firing an artillery shell that lays mines built to destroy tanks. The US has sent Ukraine over 10,000 of these rounds along with the 155 mm howitzers that fire them. These mine-laying artillery shells are designed to force desperate choices. The Russian troops defending the front lines”