The fighting in Krynky on the Russian-controlled eastern bank of the Dnipro in Kherson Oblast represents a setback for Russian strategy after their withdrawal from the western bank last year, underscoring unexpected engagement intensity despite the fighting’s smaller scale than elsewhere on the front, according to the intelligence update by the UK Defense Ministry posted on 22 November. This persistent combat reflects a significant deviation from Russia’s intended military posture, aimed at consolidating forces and maintaining tranquility in the sector.

The ministry tweeted:

• In southern Ukraine, fighting has continued around the village of Krynky where Ukrainian marines maintain a bridgehead on the east bank of the Dnipro River.
• The ground fighting has been characterised by confused, dismounted infantry combat and artillery exchanges in complex, wooded terrain. Ukraine has made particularly effective use of small attack uncrewed aerial vehicles, while the Russian Air Force is conducting significant numbers of sorties in support of frontline troops, predominantly launching munitions from beyond the range of Ukraine’s air defences.
• The fighting around Krynky is on a smaller scale than some major battles of the war but will be considered highly unfortunate by Russian leaders. Russia withdrew from the west bank of the Dnipro River a year ago, almost certainly aiming to hold Ukrainian forces west of the river, keep the sector quiet, and free up Russian forces elsewhere.

Weeks ago, after months-long low-level engagements on the eastern bank, Ukrainian marines intensified the assaults near Krynky, significantly extending the Ukrainian bridgeheads established earlier in the area.

Read also:

• Frontline report: Pontoon bridges bolster Ukrainian logistics near Krynky bridgehead
• Frontline report: Ukrainians repelled Russian attack south of Krynky, Kherson Oblast
• ISW: Ukrainian forces advance in Dnipro’s eastern bank and in the south while Russians advance near Avdiyivka
• Marines: Ukraine forces secured several bridgeheads in Kherson Oblast