The decision has been made: the Russians launch a major offensive

According to RBC sources, Russian preparations for an offensive on the right bank of the Dnieper River in the Kherson region have advanced considerably compared to those in the Zaporozhye region.

Ukrainian military officials state that the main attack in the Zaporizhzhya region could be aimed at the Pyatjakatki area, along the Dnieper River.

In addition, enemy actions are expected in the vicinity of Huljajpole.

The Russians have already tested Ukrainian defenses near Kherson

RBC states that in Kherson the Russians have already tried to break through to the right bank of the Dnieper and recalls that at the end of November, Russian reconnaissance and sabotage groups were repulsed near the Antonovsky Bridge near the Oleshki settlement.

According to RBC sources, the decision to launch an offensive on Kherson has already been made. The operation will be supervised by the commander of the Russian Airborne Forces, Mikhail Teplinsky. It is expected that up to 4,000 Russian soldiers will be involved in the mission, including the 61st separate and 7th amphibious assault divisions, Index hr reports.

These are the units that withdrew from the city of Kherson in the fall of 2022 during the lightning-fast Ukrainian counter-offensive. According to Ukrainian sources, Russian plans depend on weather conditions.

The Russian army must cross the Dnieper

In order to reach the part of the Kherson region under Ukrainian control, the Russian army must cross the Dnieper River, since all the bridges in this area have been destroyed. This requires the use of boats or the construction of pontoon bridges.

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After the destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power plant, part of the Dnieper territory turned into wetlands that freeze in winter, which could make it easier for the Russians to cross.

Another problematic factor for the occupiers is that part of the airborne forces from the Dnieper region were previously transferred to help Russian units in the Kursk region, from where they have not yet returned, according to RBC.

Ukrainian media sources doubt the success of Russian plans due to the complexity of the operation. In addition, Ukrainian forces are already ready to meet the enemy on the right bank of the Dnieper, which will complicate the implementation of the offensive, according to Ukrainian sources.