Ukrainian forces establish a foothold along Dnipro River as spring counteroffensive speculation mounts

Speculation is growing about Ukraine’s long-awaited spring counter-offensive as its forces on Sunday began establishing a foothold along the eastern side of the Dnipro River, southwest of the key city of Kherson.

Ukrainian troops were in place near the town of Oleshky and established “stable supply lines” there, according to footage from pro-Kremlin military bloggers reviewed by the Institute for the Study of War.

Analysts for the Washington-based think tank believe Ukraine’s positioning in the region could indicate a “lack of Russian control over the area.”

The move likely signifies Ukrainian troops preparing for a widely anticipated spring counteroffensive.

During the offensive, Kyiv will likely aim to break through the land corridor between Russia and annexed Crimea, which would require troops to cross the Dnieper River.

In its report, the Institute for the Study of War noted it’s the first time it has “observed reliable geolocated imagery of Ukrainian positions on the east bank along with multi-sourced Russian reports of an enduring Ukrainian presence there.”

The extent and intent of Ukrainian positions remains unclear.

Natalia Humeniuk, the spokesperson for Ukraine’s Operational Command South, said details of military operations in the Dnieper delta could not be disclosed for security reasons.

During a televised interview, Humeniuk noted it was “very difficult work” when “it’s necessary to overcome an obstacle such as the Dnieper when the front line passes through a wide and powerful river.”

The Kremlin-installed head of the Kherson region on Sunday denied Ukrainian forces have established a foothold on the east bank of the Dnieper.

In a Telegram update, Vladimir Saldo insisted Russian forces are “in full control” of the area.

In response to the ISW report, Saldo speculated the images referenced may have been Ukrainian sabotage units that “managed to take a selfie” across the Dnieper before being forced back.

Ukrainian commanders have indicated once the weather and troops are ready, they will attempt to remove Russian forces from the south.

In recent months, Kyiv has collected a massive arsenal of tanks and other weapons from Western allies in preparation for the offensive.

“The frontline is priority number one. We are also actively preparing new brigades and units that will show themselves at the front,” President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a video address this weekend.

“Everyone in Ukraine must understand that the main task of the state is the de-occupation of our territories, the return of our lands and our people from Russian captivity.”

With Post wires.