Ukraine's Troops Hold Ground Despite Heavy Losses and Controversial Assaults

Ukrainian troops attempting to establish a foothold across the Dnipro River in Russian-held Kherson Oblast are facing brutal and futile conditions, according to interviews with soldiers involved in the mission. The troops describe the river banks as treacherous, with marshy islands, rivulets, and bomb craters filled with water, leaving no place to dig in. They criticize Ukrainian commanders for poor preparation and logistics, resulting in high casualties and low morale. Despite the challenges, the operation aims to draw in and kill as many Russian troops as possible, rather than achieving a breakthrough. The situation remains tense as Russian forces continue offensive operations across multiple oblasts in Ukraine.