Russian troops preparing small-group assault operations in southern Ukraine

This was stated by the spokesperson for Ukraine's Southern Defense Forces, Vladyslav Voloshyn, in a comment to Ukrinform.  

"Regarding an airborne operation, it requires a certain amount of forces and resources, including transport for the paratroopers," Voloshyn explained. "At the moment, our intelligence has not identified such a buildup in this area. We're not saying it’s impossible, but they are not prepared to launch it in the near future."

However, the spokesperson stressed that Russian forces are currently forming groups for small-scale infantry assaults and localized battles. At the same time, there are no indications of plans for a large-scale tactical airborne operation at this stage.

"We’re talking about specific islands or seizing a foothold on the right bank (of the Dnipro River - ed.) in order to exert fire control over the Dnipro Straits and the river itself on that side," he emphasized. "However, they have not yet amassed the necessary forces and resources to conduct a full-scale airborne operation and cross the Dnipro."

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