The Significance of Kyiv's Dnipro East Bank Gain in the Ukraine War

Ukrainian fighters have reportedly crossed into Russian occupied territory and managed to hold a position on the heavily defended east bank of the Dnipro River in the Kherson region. This is a significant development as Ukraine's counteroffensive aims to cut off a land corridor to the Russian-annexed Crimean peninsula. The 46th brigade, engaged in heavy fighting to take control of the village of Krynky, believes that if successful, this will provide a base for launching a larger offensive to divide Russian troops and disrupt their supply lines. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has confirmed that Ukrainian forces are conducting larger-than-usual ground operations on the east bank, and Russian military bloggers have also reported fighting in Krynky. However, Ukraine's counteroffensive has progressed slowly with limited territorial gains. The fighters we spoke to acknowledged that a large attack similar to the "Normandy landings" is unlikely, but they revealed the dangers they face, especially with winter approaching. The 46th brigade is also fighting in the Zaporizhzhia region to cut off Russian access to the Crimean peninsula. They have partially breached the first line of Russian defense near the village of Verbove, targeting ammunition depots and bases, but their progress has been limited. The Ukrainian fighters mentioned heavily mined Russian fortifications and daily air attacks on their logistics routes without proper air support of their own. Russian troops, previously on the defensive, have now gone on the offensive. As winter approaches, conditions are deteriorating for both sides, with rainy weather affecting drone operations, reconnaissance equipment, and aviation. Despite this, the fighters do not expect any decrease in the fighting, stating that "winter will not be a time for respite."