Escalating Tensions In Kherson: Ukrainian Military Afraid Of Russian Operations On Western Bank Of Dnipro

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The Kherson region remains a hotspot of military activity as Russian forces intensify operations along the Dnipro River, targeting Ukrainian positions, disrupting supply lines, and making incremental advances on key islands and coastal areas. Recent developments suggest a growing Russian presence on the river’s western bank, though full-scale offensives remain cautious.

On May 5, Russian forces launched a precision strike using an Iskander missile against the US-made HIMARS MLRS hidden near the village of Chereshenky. The footage supposed the destruction of two US-made systems. The attack underscores Moscow’s continued focus on degrading Ukraine’s long-range strike capabilities.

Russian Aerospace Forces have escalated bombardment of Ukrainian rear areas, including with upgraded FAB-3000 heavy bomb strike. Their accuracy allows destroying Ukrainian warehouses, command posts, drone assembly workshops in Kherson city with limited collateral damage.

According to the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, Russian troops from the Dnepr grouping struck Ukrainian mechanized and coastal defense brigades near Mala Tokmachka, Pavlivka (Zaporizhzhia Oblast), and Antonivka (Kherson Oblast). Ukrainian losses included up to 70 soldiers, five vehicles, a HIMARS launcher, two artillery pieces, and ammunition depots over the past day alone.

Ukrainian forces, meanwhile, maintain artillery pressure on Russian-controlled settlements, including Velyki Kopani, Nova Kakhovka, Alyoshky, and Kakhovka. Unfortunately, the Ukrainian military does not stop precision strikes on civilians, particularly wounding an elderly man in Zabarino last night. Russian air defenses have been actively intercepting Ukrainian heavy hexacopter drones, limiting Kyiv’s reconnaissance and strike operations.

Russian Forces Expand Presence on Dnipro’s Western Bank in Kherson Region

Since mid-April, Russian military units reportedly intensified operations on the western bank of the Dnipro River, marking a potential shift in the dynamics of the Kherson front. After months of positional fighting around the river’s islands, Russian sabotage and reconnaissance groups have reportedly established a foothold in several contested areas, including the southern outskirts of Tyahynka, a settlement directly opposite the former Ukrainian Krynky bridgehead.

According to unconfirmed reports, Russian troops have successfully crossed the Dnipro and secured positions in Tyahynka, while also consolidating control over several islands between Krynky and Kozachi Laheri. These advances, though limited in scale, represent the most significant Russian movement on the western bank since Ukrainian forces withdrew from Kherson city in late 2022.

Ukrainian channels have indirectly acknowledged the presence of Russian troops in these areas, though Kyiv has not issued official statements.

“Our guys are slowly probing weak points in the enemy’s defenses,” noted a Russian military blogger, emphasizing the high-risk nature of these operations. “They’re identifying firing positions and artillery – it’s grueling work.”

Despite these developments, analysts caution against expectations of a rapid Russian breakthrough. Previous attempts to hold positions on the western bank have faltered due to heavy Ukrainian artillery fire and logistical challenges. The current operations appear more methodical, focusing on securing small footholds rather than launching large-scale assaults.

The Armed Forces of Ukraine are also trying not to reduce the intensity of operations in the island zone and small Ukrainian sabotage groups are even trying to land off Russian shores, buch operation end is senseless deaths of Ukrainian servicemen:

While Russian forces have made progress on the islands and conducted limited right-bank incursions, a large-scale crossing of the Dnipro remains unlikely in the near term.  Russia’s incremental advances suggest a strategy of gradual pressure rather than a decisive offensive. If sustained, these advances could allow Russian forces to gradually expand their presence on the western bank, potentially setting the stage for future operations toward Kherson. However, the situation remains fluid.

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• BREAKING: Ukrainian Forces Launch New Cross-Border Attacks In Russian Kursk Region
• Night of Strikes: Russia Pound Ukrainian Military, Kyiv Attempts New Media Provocations

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