(Dan Tri) – Ukraine’s determination to entrench itself on the left bank of the Dnieper River in Kherson makes observers question Kiev’s true goal when they have suffered significant damage.
Ukrainian soldiers during a combat mission across the Dnieper River in October (Photo: AP).
Newsweek reported that Ukrainian media has raised questions about why the country is determined to maintain its position on the left bank of the Dnieper River despite suffering damage from Russia’s `rain of fire` in recent times.
Since retaking the city of Kherson on the right bank of the Dnieper River in late 2022, Ukrainian forces have regularly launched attacks across the river to the left bank area that Russia controls.
In October, the 38th Marine Brigade crossed the river and penetrated into Krynky, about 40km north of the city of Kherson.
The Ukrainian General Staff announced over the weekend that its troops had resumed operations on the left bank of the Dnieper and were holding out there in an attempt to attack Russian forces.
However, holding the bridgehead on the left bank of the Dnieper carries a series of risks.
According to anonymous military personnel, Ukraine is facing a serious shortage of both manpower and weapons to protect these positions, while soldiers fighting here are facing fire.
Previously, Ukrainian soldier Serhiy Ostapenko admitted to CNN that Russia is relentlessly attacking Ukraine.
In addition to the shortage of manpower, ensuring supplies across the river is another major challenge.
Despite the difficulties and losses, the Ukrainian side remains determined to maintain its achievements on the left bank of the Dnieper.
Analyst Nikola Mikovic said that because Ukraine’s counterattack across the entire line since June did not achieve the expected results, they wanted to keep the achievements on the left bank of the river for political reasons.
He said Russia found itself in a similar situation in the region last year when it decided to withdraw its troops from the right bank of the Dnieper River.
Mikovic said that although Krynky is not as important as the city of Kherson, Ukraine is hesitant to abandon the village, `because such a move could have a significant impact on the political situation in Kiev.`
`It is absolutely clear that the Ukrainian counteroffensive has failed, but preserving control of Krynky allows the Ukrainian authorities to continue to believe that the left bank of the Dnieper River is under control,` Mikovic said.
On the other hand, Ukraine wants to advance deep into the left bank of the Dnieper to prevent Russia from shelling the right bank, and at the same time create momentum to reach Crimea.
Pro-Ukrainian media channels also published analysis articles saying that Kiev’s attack on the left bank of the Dnieper River was `one of the most mysterious operations` since the outbreak of hostilities, because the target was
`On the Ukrainian side, the meaning of holding such a small bridgehead is unclear. With a force of only a few hundred people there (Krynky), it is difficult for Ukraine to break through on the front line. A bridgehead is a position.
Odessa-based Dumskaya news website said that Kiev’s determination to hold the bridgehead at Krynky is causing great damage but not achieving commensurate results.
`The marines crossed the river and most died when approaching the left bank. There was no further breakthrough and Ukraine still lost soldiers to hold this area. What is this for?`.
