Ukrainian Forces Face Challenges in Kherson Operation Amid Delays

The Ukrainian military's operation to establish a bridgehead on the left bank of the Kherson region near the village of Krynky encountered significant difficulties. The units were stuck in the forest, unable to access strategically important roads and disrupt enemy logistics routes.

The commander of the 37th Separate Marine Brigade, Serhiy Shatalov, told this in an interview with Hromadske.

According to the military, the support for the operation was insufficient, as the soldiers had to look for boats for the crossing on their own, and some locals refused to sell them.

"Preparations were normal. I wouldn't say that the support was up to the standards, that is, we needed more... I think the state should have contributed more to this. Provide us with boats 100%, and not me as a commander still have to think where to get a boat, where to find steersmen," Shatalov said.

The officer noted that due to the delay, Russian troops managed to pull up reserves, which complicated the advance of Ukrainian forces. The enemy was actively using FPV drones, striking at boats with personnel. Despite the difficulties, the presence of Ukrainian troops in Krynky forced the Russians to focus on clearing the islands, which reduced the shelling of Kherson. However, after the Ukrainian troops left, the situation escalated again.

"When we were present on the islands, the enemy paid full attention to clearing the islands. And Kherson lived peacefully," the commander said.

Earlier, journalists received exclusive footage from the military from Krynkyi itself, and also attended a training session for marines nearby.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also awarded Dmytro Korda, a soldier of the Odesa brigade of the Third Brigade, who had been holding the line on the left bank of the Dnipro for 88 days. He was awarded for bravery and heroism.

Ірина Глухова