Russian forces are attempting to establish a foothold in the island zone near Kherson, conducting constant assaults in the area.
This was reported by Vladyslav Voloshyn, spokesperson for the Southern Defense Forces, in a comment to Suspilne.
According to Voloshyn, during these assaults, the Russian forces aims to capture specific positions to draw as many Ukrainian forces and resources as possible to those areas. However, all these assaults have been unsuccessful.
According to Ukrainian intelligence, Russian forces are currently training assault groups specialized in crossing water obstacles. These exercises are taking place at training grounds located in occupied territories of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions.
To practice tactics, boats from the so-called Dnipro Flotilla are being used. Part of this unit was relocated to the Tendrivska and Kinburn Spits earlier in the autumn. During the training, Russian forces are practicing the transportation of landing groups and crossing water obstacles with small infantry units.
Earlier, in an interview with Financial Times, the head of the Kherson Regional Military Administration, Oleksandr Prokudin, stated that Russia intends to launch a new offensive in the region. He also reported that Russian forces have gathered around 300 boats to facilitate river crossings.
Commenting on Prokudin's statement, Voloshyn confirmed that Ukrainian command is aware of Russia's 300 boats. At the same time, the Defense Forces are prepared to counter any developments.
"Ukraine conducts very active reconnaissance operations, and not just satellite or UAV reconnaissance—many types of intelligence gathering are utilized," the Southern Defense Forces spokesperson emphasized.
