ISW estimates number of Ukrainian troops potentially operating in Kherson region's east bank

This was reported by the Institute for the Study of War.

Russian propagandists have recently published a photo that allegedly shows a Ukrainian-tracked amphibious vehicle transporting an infantry fighting vehicle to the left bank near the village of Krynky.

Other propagandists claim that a Ukrainian infantry fighting vehicle crossed the Dnipro on its own near Krynky and released some footage that allegedly shows a destroyed western armored personnel carrier in an unidentified location. The propagandists also claimed that one or two Ukrainian armored personnel carriers crossed the Dnipro near Krynky, while other Russians noted that Ukrainian forces had deployed several armored personnel carriers to the area.

"Russian milbloggers claimed that more than 300 Ukrainian personnel (about a battalion’s worth) are operating on the east bank in the Krynky area and continue to claim that Ukrainian forces maintain positions in central Krynky and nearby areas,” the statement said.

At the same time, a Russian military blogger claimed that several hundred Ukrainian troops were operating on the eastern bank of the Kherson region.

According to analysts, the battalion-sized grouping of Ukrainian forces on the left bank indicates that Russia's intensive blockade efforts along the Dnipro River did not prevent the Ukrainian Armed Forces from deploying additional personnel and materiel to positions on the left bank.

Operation on the left bank of the Kherson region

On September 14 and 15, Ukrainian troops crossed the Dnipro River, presumably to consolidate their positions and prepare for an offensive on the left bank of the Kherson region. The Russian forces claim that the Ukrainian Armed Forces have been preparing to cross the Dnipro since July.

On September 20, the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces reported on new footholds of the Defense Forces on the left bank of the Dnipro.

The Institute for the Study of War said that units of two Ukrainian marine brigades probably crossed the Dnipro River on October 17-18 and landed on the left bank of the river in Kherson region.

On October 20, ISW stated that the Ukrainian offensive on the left bank of the Dnipro River in Kherson region appears to be larger than previous raids. Geolocation footage shows that the Ukrainian Armed Forces maintain a presence along the Dnipro bank and near the Antonivskyi Bridge. On the same day, Zelenskyy came to Kherson region to hold a meeting and present awards.

On October 21, ISW reported that the Ukrainian Armed Forces continued to conduct larger-than-usual ground operations on the left bank of the Kherson region. In particular, Ukrainian soldiers are fighting in the village of Krynky. 

Also, according to the spokesperson of the Southern Defense Forces, Natalia Humeniuk, in order to "make life easier" on the right bank of the Dnipro River, it is necessary to clear a part of the left bank, which remains under fire from the Russian troops.

As of November 1, Ukrainian troops were attempting to break through Russian defenses near Pishchanivka and Poyma. The Ukrainian Armed Forces also hold positions in Krynky and near Antonivske highway.