ISW: Ukrainian military has established positions in east bank Kherson

The Ukrainian military has established positions on the east bank of the Dnipro in the Kherson region, reports American think tank the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) in its latest assessment of the Russian offensive campaign in Ukraine. The assessment cites geolocated footage from Russian “war bloggers.”

The ISW report says that as of April 22, Ukrainian troops have succeeded in occupying positions north of the city of Oleshky (located seven kilometers, or 4.3 miles from the city of Kherson) and have advanced along its northern outskirts on highway E97, as well as to the west of the settlement of Dachi (10 kilometers, or 6.2 miles from Kherson). 

ISW analysts note that “the extent and intent of these Ukrainian positions remain unclear.” Russian “war bloggers” say that Ukraine has not fully occupied the positions, but maintains an “episodic presence” in the area. 

The ISW suggests that Ukraine’s positions in the region may indicate that Russian forces do not control islands in the Kinka and Chaika rivers.

Spokesperson for Ukraine’s Armed Forces Nataliya Gumenyuk commented on ISW’s assessment and “urged patience,” reports Ukrainian publication Hromadske. “I really want everyone to understand that very difficult work is going on when it’s necessary to overcome an obstacle such as the Dnipro, for example. When the front line runs along such a wide, powerful river. Combat conditions therefore require informational silence until it’s safe enough for our military,” Gumenyuk said. 

Vladimir Saldo, “head” of the Russian-annexed part of the Kherson region, told RIA Novosti that information about Ukrainian military positions on the Dnipro’s east bank is incorrect. He says that Russian troops are in full control of east bank Kherson. 

Russia’s Ministry of Defense has not commented.