We have chance to enter Crimea - Former Aidar Battalion company commander

He expressed this opinion on the Espreso TV channel.

"Currently, the biggest intrigue, expectations and hopes are related to the left bank of Kherson region. In particular, where our bridgehead has already been established. It is in this section of the frontline where we managed to move from prolonged raid operations to consolidation and even deployment of heavy equipment. In fact, the fighting in this area is decisive for the outcome of Ukraine's counteroffensive that began in the summer," explained Dykyi.

The expert emphasized that successful actions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces on the left bank of the Kherson region will allow Ukraine's army to enter Crimea.

"The bridgehead on the left bank of the Kherson region has already been established. The invaders will not be able to push Ukraine's military back to Dnipro. The next task is more difficult. In particular, to expand this foothold, break through the Russian defense and gain operational space. We have this chance, but there are no guarantees of our success. This is a war where both sides realize the price of the issue. By the way, we always speak carefully about the left bank of the Kherson region, but if you read the statements of Russian military commanders, they call this direction the Kherson-Crimean one. Therefore, if we manage to expand this bridgehead, it will allow us to reach Perekop and then Crimea," he added.

Operation on the left bank of 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 continue 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.

On November 1, the ISW reported that the Ukrainian military attempted to breach the Russian defenses near Pishchanivka and Poyma on Dnipro's left bank in the Kherson region. The army is also maintaining positions in Krynky and near the Antonivskyi roadway.

On November 8, it was reported that Ukrainian forces have moved a limited number of armored vehicles to the left bank of the Kherson region. Meanwhile, several hundred Ukrainian defenders are operating there.

On November 10, the Institute for the Study of War noted that the Defense Forces cut the Oleshky-Nova Kakhovka road in Kherson region and created additional logistical problems for the Russian invaders in this area.

On November 20, Serhiy Bratchuk, spokesman for the Ukrainian Volunteer Army South, said that Ukrainian marines destroyed several Russian trucks on the Oleshky-Nova Kakhovka road.