Ukraine's strategic patience pays off in Krynky, frustrates occupiers

Ukrainians have conceded that they nearly lost control of Krynky on the eastern bank of the Dnieper in the Kherson region, yet they continue to press forward with operations on the river's left side, supported by artillery and drones. "This greatly frustrates the occupiers, as we are a problem they can't seem to solve," said Serhij Khlan, a member of the Kherson Regional Council, on Espreso TV.

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Khlan, serving on the Kherson Regional Council, shared on Espreso TV details about the ongoing situation on the Dnieper's eastern bank in the Kherson region, specifically around the area of Krynky. Ukrainian Armed Forces have been active in this region for several months.

"It's safe to say Krynky has been obliterated as a settlement; only its name remains. The occupiers claim they hold Krynky, but their control is nominal. The moment they try to deploy troops or vehicles to the Dnieper's bank, they're promptly taken out by drones. Indeed, Ukrainian forces are active on the river's eastern bank, but it's too early to talk about establishing a solid foothold. Regardless, they continue to cause significant problems for the occupiers," emphasized Khlan.

The elevation advantage of the right (western) bank of the Dnieper over the left bank enables Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) soldiers to effectively support their peers on the left bank using drones and artillery, noted the deputy.

"Every attempt by the occupiers to gain full control over the left bank of the Dnieper in the vicinity of Krynky, the Antonovsky Bridge near Kherson, and railway bridges, has been thwarted. This continues to be a major irritant for the occupiers, as we are a persistent issue they can't address," Khlan summed up.

The American think tank, Institute for the Study of War (ISW), reported that on 19 March, there was positional warfare on the Dnieper's eastern bank near Krynky.

A Russian military blogger suggested that only a handful of Ukrainian forces remain in Krynky, with the majority positioned to the west of the settlement, in areas along the coast and within forests. Russian military commentators have also confirmed that the Ukrainian military is still operational near the Antonovsky Bridge, above Kherson (north of the town of Oleshky).

Source: ISW/Espreso