
Ukrainian frontline soldiers report that they have not only encroached upon Russian-occupied terrain but also managed to sustain a position along the fiercely protected eastern bank of the Dnipro River within the Kherson region – marking a noteworthy first.
This development holds considerable significance as Ukraine intensifies its counteroffensive strategy. The objective is succinct; cut through the Russian-occupied territory to sever the land corridor leading to the Crimean peninsula, a region Moscow unlawfully annexed in 2014.
Amidst this escalating tension, the 46th brigade confirms, via text message, that they are entrenched in a pitched battle for the village of Krynky. Should they successfully establish control over the village, it would provide a strategic base for further military operations aimed at bifurcating Russian forces and disrupting their supply chains.
Notably, the U.S-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) corroborates this news, acknowledging that Ukrainian forces are indeed persisting with larger than usual ground activities along the eastern bank. A similar acknowledgment came from Russian military bloggers who logged the upsurge in combat in Krynky.
The ongoing action is subjected to intense scrutiny. Ukraine’s military chiefs are eager to capitalize on any successes, given their counteroffensive launched in June has been progressing at a slow pace with minimal territorial victories.
Yet, the engaged soldiers indicate that the takeover of Krynky doesn’t necessarily signal an imminent, modern equivalent of a “Normandy landings” scenario.
These soldiers, fighting in the Zaporizhzhia region further up the enormous frontline for a shared objective, hold a bleak outlook on the situation, particularly with the onset of winter.
Emphasizing their exceptional progress in breaching the primary line of Russian defense near the village of Verbove, they shared that they successfully targeted some ammo depots and bases, even though advancement remains modest. They highlighted the significant threats they face from heavily armed Russian fortifications and daily air strikes absent their own air support.
In terms of shifting tactics, they noted that previously defensive Russian troops had now adopted an offensive approach. With winter on the horizon, both sides are likely to confront deteriorating conditions. The soldiers expect the inclement weather will disrupt drone operations, reconnaissance mechanisms, and aviation. However, they don’t see it bringing any significant reduction to the ongoing conflict, bleakly predicting, “Winter will not be a time for respite.”