Russia stepping up attempts to gain foothold in Dnipro River island zone – military
This was stated in a comment to Ukrinform by Vladyslav Voloshyn, spokesperson for the Defense Forces of the South.
According to him, the enemy regularly attempts to land on the islands. “Over the past day, an attempt to land on Bilohrudyi Island was recorded. A few days ago, the enemy tried to land on Velykyi Potyomkin and Kruhlik,” Voloshyn said.
He added that Russian troops continue assault operations near the Antonivskyi bridges on Oleksiivskyi Island.
The spokesperson noted that Russian forces are not abandoning attempts to gain a foothold in the island zone and are preparing to intensify operations with the onset of warmer weather. “With warmer conditions, they will try to carry out movements by water,” he said.
Voloshyn also stressed that the enemy is actively increasing the use of drones for reconnaissance, logistics, and cover. “The enemy is increasing the number of unmanned systems units, crews, and the drones themselves,” he noted.
According to the Defense Forces’ assessment, this could lead to increased Russian activity in the area. “We expect the enemy to act more actively in the island zone, primarily due to the growing number of unmanned systems units,” Voloshyn explained.
At the same time, Russian troops are carrying out engineering work on positions on the left bank of the Dnipro River and mining waterways to hinder Ukrainian Defense Forces operations, he added. According to the spokesperson, the enemy is trying to secure islands where it already has observation posts and positions.
Voloshyn emphasized that enemy activity on the Dnipro River is gradually increasing. “With each passing day, the enemy is making more landing attempts, and activity in this island zone is rising,” he concluded.
As reported by Ukrinform, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi visited certain areas on the Zaporizhzhia axis, where Russian forces are concentrating significant manpower and equipment for offensive operations.
Photo provided by Vladyslav Voloshyn
