Ukrainians give up Bruckenkopf at Dnipro
In the past autumn, Ukrainian troops liberated a narrow strip on the eastern bank of the Dnipro River. Russian units managed to seal off the bridgehead.
According to consistent reports, the Ukrainian forces have evacuated their bridgehead on the eastern bank of the Dnipro River in the Cherson region. For instance, the Ukrainian public broadcaster Suspilne reports that the troops had withdrawn several weeks ago.
Previously, the news portal Liga.net reported, citing sources in the General Staff, about the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the villages of Krynky in the Cherson region and Urozhaine in the Donetsk region. "In both settlements, it no longer made sense to hold positions due to the extensive destruction, and the defense forces withdrew to save the lives of the fighters," one of the sources said.
Ukrainian marines had liberated a small area around the village of Krynky on the Dnipro in October 2023. Russian troops managed to seal off the bridgehead shortly thereafter. Further territorial gains were not made by Ukraine in the area. To supply and rotate troops, Kiev was reliant on boats that were repeatedly targeted by Russian combat drones. Even in January, the Ukrainian military command expressed the intention to build up positions on the eastern bank of the Dnipro.
Responsible for the amphibious landing operation at Krynky was the former commander of the Ukrainian Marine Corps, Lieutenant General Yurii Sodol, who was dismissed as commander of the combined forces by President Volodymyr Zelensky a few weeks ago. The general was accused of negligent orders that allegedly led to heavy losses.
- Despite the success in capturing Krynky, Russia launched an attack on Ukraine's newly gained territory, attempting to seal off the bridgehead in the Cherson region.
- The international community criticized Russia's military actions against Ukraine in the Cherson region, with many calling for stronger political sanctions against Moscow.
- In light of the challenging situation in the Cherson region, Ukrainian politicians emphasized the importance of strategic cooperation with NATO and other Western allies for military support and political backing.
