Ukrainian forces have reached the eastern side of the Dnipro River near Kherson city for the first time. This could be the first step towards dislodging Russian forces from positions they have been using to shell and shoot the liberated city of Kherson. The US-based Institute for the Study of War and Russian military bloggers have reported that Ukraine’s military has set up positions on the eastern side of the river. This means Ukrainians could now plan for the first time to begin a counteroffensive to reclaim more areas.
Russians control several areas in that region and settlements in that area, but Ukrainians have established themselves in marshy areas of islets and tributaries near the settlements of Oleshky and Dachi. These areas are still under Russian control, but Ukrainian forces have set up stable supply lines to their positions there.
Ukraine has not officially announced that its army achieved a foothold across the river. Journalist Nataliya Gumenyuk said it is “an ongoing military operation that requires informational silence.” “When it is allowed, we will be sure to notify you,” said Gumenyuk.
Russia controls about 17% of Ukraine, which also includes the Crimean peninsula and parts of Luhansk and Donetsk governed by Moscow-backed separatists. The US estimates the Russian force’s losses to be three or four times higher than Ukraine’s.
Ukraine earlier signaled that once weather conditions permit and troops are ready, attempts to dislodge Russian forces from territory they still hold in the south and east of the country will be undertaken.
