In the context of the ongoing military conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Russia has officially confirmed for the first time an advance by the Ukrainian army on the Russian-controlled eastern bank of the Dnipro River. This is reported by the “FR“. This would be the first official recognition of such an operation by Russia, after previous reports of a shift in the Russian front line due to Ukrainian offensives were described only as “regroupings”.

Russians confirm Ukrainian advance

The Russian governor of the Kherson region, Vladimir Saldo, confirmed via Telegram that Ukrainian companies had reached the eastern bank of the Dnipro “in small groups.” He was reacting to reports from the Russian news agencies Tass and Ria Novosti, which had originally reported that Russian troops were withdrawing from the Dnipro, but “cancelled” their reports a short time later.

Saldo announced that Russia had deployed “additional forces” against the advanced Ukrainian units and that they were now stuck in a “hell of fire”. Regardless, this move by Ukraine could represent a decisive step forward in the country’s counteroffensive.

Ukrainians settle on the left bank – clear the way to Crimea?

Ukrainian presidential chief of staff Andriy Yermak said that Ukrainian forces had “gained a foothold on the left bank of the Dnipro.” They would have established bridgeheads on the eastern bank, which could pave the way for possible operations to retake Russian-controlled Crimea. According to Yermak, “70 percent of the route” to the demilitarization of Crimea has already been completed and the Ukrainian counteroffensive is continuing to develop.

This admission by Russia represents a severe setback for its position in the Ukraine war. It remains to be seen what impact this event will have on further developments in the conflict and whether the Ukrainian counteroffensive can achieve further successes.