Ukrainian forces retaking eastern bank of Kherson

Rumours have been circulating on Telegram channels that Ukrainian forces have retaken settlements on the eastern bank of Kherson region, after pushing Russian forces from the west bank on Friday. Kherson region is divided by the River Dnipro.

Qazet.az reports that these rumours about a new stage in the Ukrainian offensive come in addition to a statement on Saturday by Ukraine’s southern command that combat activities were ongoing to retake the Kinburn peninsula.

But news about an offensive on those fronts was absent from the morning update from Ukraine’s general staff. Ukraine’s authorities often delay confirming a successful battle or operation until a day or two after its completion. They have also urged people to refrain from divulging the details of active battles or Ukrainian military plans so as not to give Russia a tactical advantage.

The southern command’s Monday evening report stated that Russia had tried to attack the Ukrainian mainland town of Ochakiv from the Kinburn peninsula and that the Ukrainian forces had destroyed a large Russian ammunition stockpile in Oleshky, the town on the left bank that was rumoured to have been retaken.

The spokesperson for Ukraine’s southern command, Natalia Humeniuk, said on Ukrainian United News on Tuesday that the south continued to be an area of ongoing battles so “we are keeping quiet about it now”.

However, speaking to Espresso TV, also on Tuesday, she said Russian forces had retreated from their defensive positions along the left side of the riverbank by 15-20km in order to avoid being shelled by the Ukrainians.

“We do not stand still and employ counter-battery fire, said Humeniuk, which includes multiple rocket laughers, artillery and mortars. “In connection with this … enemy troops on the left bank of the Dnipro moving 15-20 km back from the shore.”