Ukrainian forces fire a mortar over the Dnipro river toward Russian positions. Photo by AFP
The chief of staff for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Andriy Yermak, revealed that Ukrainian forces have established a strategic position on the left bank of the Dnipro River. This marks a noteworthy advancement for Ukraine, as Russia had withdrawn from the right bank a year ago. Efforts by the Ukrainian army to create and maintain a bridgehead on the river’s eastern shore have been ongoing. Yermak confirmed the capture of a bridgehead, a military term denoting a secured position, in a village named Krynky, situated 2km inland from the river and 30km from Kherson, reclaimed by Ukraine a year ago.
Russian authorities acknowledged the presence of “small groups” of Ukrainian forces in the village on the left bank but asserted their imminent elimination. The Russian-installed official overseeing the occupied Kherson region, Vladimir Saldo, claimed that Ukrainian forces in Krynky faced heavy losses and had no chance of breaking through, surrounded in a “fiery hell.” This admission followed Russian state media’s brief publication and subsequent retraction of news about a retreat from positions on the left bank.
Despite previous unsuccessful attempts to cross the Dnipro using small boats during the spring and summer, the establishment of a bridgehead could facilitate the transfer of armored vehicles and air defense systems. This strategic move brings Ukrainian forces closer to breaking through to Crimea, the peninsula annexed by Russia in 2014. Yermak emphasized Ukraine’s step-by-step demilitarization of Crimea, covering 70% of the distance, and appealed to Western nations for increased weapon support, highlighting Russia’s use of Iranian drones and North Korean artillery.
President Zelensky noted an escalation of fighting near Avdiivka, emphasizing Russian forces’ losses in personnel and equipment during attempts to capture the devastated city. Ukraine initiated a counteroffensive in June, aiming to reclaim territory in the south and east; however, significant territorial gains have yet to materialize.
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