Ukrainian Forces Persist in Krynky Amid Intense Clashes on Dnieper Bank
Ukrainians have acknowledged nearly being pushed out of Krynky on the eastern bank of the Dnieper River in the Kherson region. Yet, they continue to conduct active operations on the river's left side, supported by artillery and drones. "This greatly irritates the occupiers, as they can't seem to eliminate us," Serhij Khlan, a deputy of the Kherson Regional Council, expressed on Espreso TV.
11:44 AM EDT, March 20, 2024
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On Espreso TV, Khlan shared insights into the ongoing situation in the Kherson region's eastern bank of the Dnieper, surrounding Krynky. Ukrainian Armed Forces have been active in this area for months.
"It's fair to say Krynky has ceased to exist as a settlement; only its name lingers. Although the invaders claim control over Krynky, their authority dissipates the moment they attempt to dispatch soldiers or vehicles towards the Dnieper's shores — they are immediately targeted and neutralized by drones. Ukrainian forces have indeed been executing tasks on the eastern bank, but to talk of establishing a stronghold now would be misleading. Nonetheless, they continue to challenge the occupiers," Khlan emphasized.
The deputy also highlighted that the Dnieper's right (or western) bank stands higher than its left. This geographic advantage enables Ukrainian soldiers (SZU) to effectively oversee and support activities on the left bank with drones and artillery.
According to Khlan, all efforts by the occupiers to gain complete control over the left bank, the Krynky area, the Antonovsky Bridge, and nearby railway bridges have been thwarted. "This persistence deeply frustrates the occupiers, as they're unable to eradicate our presence," Khlan concluded.
ISW on the conflict in Krynky
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW), an American think tank, reported that positional battles occurred on March 19, on the eastern bank of the Dnieper in Krynky.
A Russian military blogger has noted that only a small contingent of Ukrainian forces remains in Krynky. Most Ukrainian units in the eastern Kherson region have positioned themselves west of the settlement, in coastal and forested areas. The presence of the Ukrainian army near the Antonovsky Bridge, just north of Oleshky under Kherson, has also been confirmed by these reports.
Source: ISW/Espreso
