Espreso. Global

Is Ukrainian troops’ focus on Krynky problematic? 

18 December, 2023 Monday
12:47

There has been a recurring perspective questioning the significance of ongoing events on the left bank of the Kherson region near Krynky, suggesting that the efforts and resources allocated may not be justified

client/title.list_title

Political and military observer Oleksandr Kovalenko explained the feasibility of Ukrainian Armed Forces applying major resources in this direction.

Over the past three weeks, the number of Russian troops has increased in the area 

According to the observer, until recently, Russia’s Dnepr troop group on the left bank of the Kherson region was considered one of the least combat-ready, second only to the Crimean Defense Group. However, it swiftly increased its potential, primarily through a significant numerical boost.

For instance, in September, the Dnepr Group had around 60,000 personnel, and today it stands at over 72,000, with a major increase of more than 4,000 in the last three weeks.

As of now, the Dnepr Group comprises:

  • Personnel: Over 72,000;
  • Tanks: 400;
  • Armored Personnel Carriers: 900;
  • Barrel Artillery: 500;
  • MLRS: About 100.

This augmentation wasn't a result of Russian troops’ personnel and equipment budding and division but rather stemmed from the strategic redeployment of units from the Zaporizhzhia and Crimean Defense units.

“It adheres to the principle of ‘some arrived, some left,’" Kovalenko explains. This might explain why Ukrainian forces managed to maintain positions west of Robotyne and near Verbove. The recent weeks have showcased numerous videos in open sources depicting the highly effective operations of Ukrainian drones against Russian equipment in the Krynky area. Russian tanks and armored personnel carriers are continuously being destroyed. While the drones' impact is visible to all, the role of artillery, contributing to annihilation of Russian troops, goes unnoticed by many.

For instance, the forest south of Krynky has become a significant battleground, particularly for the units of the 810th Separate Marine Brigade and the 104th Airborne Division, especially the 328th Airborne Division. It's a rare occurrence when marines and airborne troops suffer heavy losses simultaneously.

Russian troops suffer losses

A force with over 72,000 personnel and an extensive array of resources is experiencing significant losses, evident from radio intercepts and objective control. Struggling against smaller company-level units on the right bank, supported only by artillery and drones, raises questions about the group's effectiveness. Simultaneously, the group's command is urgently increasing its numbers, at the expense of other military units, underscoring their inability to handle the situation effectively.

Examining the practicality of the situation, the left bank of the Kherson region appears strategically advantageous due to the absence of a major river obstructing retreat. However, logistical constraints exist, with limited fully operational arteries and highways concentrated close to the coast.

For instance, Oleshky, a town in the Kherson region close to Krynky, depends on P57 and E97, and severing either would isolate Oleshky. The key artery 2206, leading along the left bank to Nova Kakhovka and Melitopol, is crucial. Presently, Russian troops lack control over the first-line road Pishchanivka-Kozachi Laheri-Krynky-Korsunka-Nova Kakhovka. Moving Russian equipment along the 2206 section south of Kozachi Laheri and Krynky is perilous, marked by the presence of military vehicles.

Developments on Kherson's left bank unfold slowly

Understanding the expediency of these actions and the objectives of Ukrainian troops is clear. The Dnepr Group's command is cognizant of this, but despite their numerical and overall resource superiority, they struggle to impede this process.

The observer states that the developments on the left bank unfold slowly and cannot be rushed. When they culminate, analysis and speculation on the primary line for the retreating Russian troops will be all that remains.

Tags:
Read also:
  • News
2025, Wednesday
15 January
14:53
Germany allocates new aid package for Ukraine: what it includes
14:35
Captured North Korean troops in Ukraine face deadly orders to protect regime secrets
14:17
Exclusive
Russian army uses 6 different missile types in massive January 15 attack on Ukraine - military expert Zgurets
13:59
Russia targets Ukraine with Kh-55SM missiles carrying nuclear warhead simulators
13:36
OPINION
China is exhausting Russia in Ukraine
13:18
Exclusive
Russia seeks to establish foothold, advance in Kupyansk direction - Khortytsia troop grouping
13:00
Russia launches over 40 missiles, 70 drones at Ukraine: Zelenskyy on massive attack
12:42
Exclusive
North Korea will refuse to acknowledge captured soldiers - human rights advocate
12:24
Exclusive
Russian forces take control of most apartment buildings in Ukraine's Toretsk
12:07
Ukraine must be part of any decision about its future - EU top diplomat
11:50
Review
Russia in flames: Ukrainian forces launch largest strike on Russian territory. Serhiy Zgurets' column
11:28
OPINION
Guarantees of Ukraine's disintegration: key takeaways from Lavrov's press conference
11:09
EU shipyards repair Russian Arctic gas tankers despite sanctions - media
10:51
Ukraine reports 170 clashes at front, repels 70 Russian attacks in Pokrovsk sector
10:30
Exclusive
Conscription age in Ukraine may be lowered if partners boost military aid - MP Kniazhytskyi
10:12
Drones target distillery near military training ground in Russia's Tambov region
09:54
Russia's massive missile attack targets critical infrastructure in western Ukraine
09:35
Russia loses 1,580 soldiers, nearly 400 pieces of equipment in one day of war in Ukraine
2025, Tuesday
14 January
21:40
Exclusive
Trump to nullify International Criminal Court warrant by meeting with Putin - expert
21:25
Zelenskyy releases video showing interrogation of captured North Korean soldier
21:10
South Korea ready to take DPRK soldiers captured by Ukraine
20:52
OPINION
Biden took the “safe route”
20:30
NATO starts Baltic Sentry mission, Tusk announces increased presence
20:07
46% of Ukrainians prioritize NATO membership over EU accession – KIIS survey
19:46
Exclusive
“Breaking new ground”: Defense Express on Ukraine’s largest strike on Russian military targets
19:25
Updated
Ukrainian Air Force technicians report mass transfers to infantry; General Staff responds
19:06
Volker expects “decisive approach” in Trump’s Ukraine policy
18:45
Depletion of Russian air defense exposes rear regions to strikes
18:24
Ukrainian exports entered 16 new markets in 2024
17:59
Slovak opposition to call no-confidence vote against Fico government over shift to Russia
17:38
Russia’s military aviation: What happens to 1,100 aircraft not in combat over Ukraine?
17:13
Ukraine may cease to exist in 2025, negotiations should be with U.S., says Putin's aide. Ukraine responds
16:52
Military exercises in Gomel District, Belarus, pose no threat to Ukraine – SBGS
16:34
Ukraine sets up 36 working groups to prepare for EU membership negotiations
16:14
Russian "court" sentences seven Ukrainian POWs involved in Kursk operation
16:03
Updated
Ukraine launches massive strike on Russian military targets, up to 1,100 km deep
15:57
Russian agents exploit families of Ukrainian POWs for sabotage
15:37
Exclusive
'Trump is unpredictable but farsighted': VOA's Myroslava Gongadze on Greenland controversy
15:16
Russian oil tankers stalled as U.S. sanctions bite
14:52
Ukraine's largest long-range strike to date hits key Russian military and industrial sites
More news