Russia admits Ukrainian advance via Dnipro
The Ukrainians have repeatedly attempted to advance to the Russian-occupied side of the Dnipro River. According to a high-ranking Russian official, they have now succeeded in doing so in small groups. However, the soldiers there are exposed to a "hell of fire".
According to Russian reports, Ukrainian forces have succeeded in advancing to the Russian-controlled side of the Dnipro River in southern Ukraine. Around "one and a half" Ukrainian companies are "in small groups" on the eastern bank of the river, explained Vladimir Saldo, the governor of the Kherson region appointed by Moscow, on the online service Telegram.
"We have deployed additional forces," Saldo added. Ukrainian soldiers were stuck in a "hell of fire" in the village of Krynky and were being fired upon with artillery, rockets and drones, among other things. The reports and the number of Ukrainian forces cannot be independently verified. According to the military glossary of the Russian news agency Tass, a company can consist of 45 to 360 soldiers.
Saldo's comments on the online service Telegram were the first time a high-ranking Russian representative admitted that Ukraine had succeeded in advancing onto the Russian-controlled bank of the Dnipro. Until now, the Kremlin has refused to comment on such reports. The chief of staff of the Ukrainian presidential office, Andriy Yermak, stated on Tuesday that Ukrainian forces had "gained a foothold on the left bank of the Dnipro". However, he did not give any further details.
The wide Dnipro River has been the front line between Ukrainian and Russian forces in southern Ukraine for a year. The western bank is held by Ukraine, while Russia controls the opposite bank. Ukrainian soldiers had tried to cross the river several times to push Moscow's troops further back.
Source: www.ntv.de
