Ukraine’s General Staff, in its recent updates, seemed to indirectly confirm the advance of Ukrainian forces on the east (left) bank of the Dnipro River in Kherson Oblast. Among areas struck by Russian aviation was the village of Pishchanivka on the left bank, the General Staff noted.
Earlier, the Institute for the Study of War assessed that Ukrainian marines had advanced to the occupied left bank of the Dnipro, including north of Pishchanivka and in Poima. The think tank noted Russians seem concerned about a “larger Ukrainian operation” in the occupied part of Kherson Oblast.
Russian telegram channels claim Ukraine is undertaking a major new offensive there, which Russia has so far contained. President Vladimir Putin acknowledged Ukraine’s Kherson offensive, stating it failed like previous efforts.
However, analysts suggest progress by Ukraine on the left bank. Oleksandr Kovalenko pointed to Russian military bloggers’ panic as evidence of Ukrainian gains. Russian aircraft have bombed the right bank and left bank “grey zone” heavily in recent weeks, he noted.
Frontline report: Ukraine gains bridgehead, reclaims two villages in Kherson Oblast on Dnipro
Kovalenko believes seizing areas covering the key Russian logistics route towards Melitopol is within reach. “But the most important thing is that Poima is a village located on the same level as Oleshky.”
Rather than a major offensive, experts believe Ukraine has gained ground through small unit maneuvers. Securing a beachhead in this way would be a major feat, Kovalenko said.
Ukrainian officials have confirmed constant fighting and successful artillery strikes around Kherson. But they declined to discuss details of any offense there for security reasons.
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