Russia and Ukraine accused each other of targeting civilians during New Year's, with Russia reporting a deadly drone strike on a hotel in occupied southern Ukraine and Ukraine attacking energy infrastructure, amid ongoing tensions and peace talks.
Foreign volunteers are now prohibited from entering dangerous communities in the Kherson region without approval from the regional military administration or military command, following a decision by the Regional Defense Council. This ban comes after two French volunteers were killed in a Russian drone strike on Beryslav, prompting French President Emmanuel Macron to express condolences over their deaths. The Kherson Regional Military Administration emphasized the need to record people's presence in active conflict areas, citing the inability to guarantee safety during wartime.
According to UK intelligence, Ukraine is successfully repelling Russian attacks in the left bank of the Dnipro River in the Kherson region, despite facing logistical challenges. The Russian Dnepr Grouping of Forces has been unable to dislodge Ukrainian defenders, possibly due to poor training and coordination. The UK Ministry of Defense emphasizes that Russia's objective of forcing Ukraine to withdraw its forces from the area remains a priority, and predicts continued attacks in the coming weeks. Ukraine's defense forces have reportedly destroyed a counterbattery radar and nine armored vehicles belonging to the Russian invaders in the region.
Ukrainian forces successfully repelled 29 enemy attacks on the left bank of the Dnipro River in the Kherson region. Ukrainian aircraft targeted Russian military personnel and equipment, while Ukrainian rocket forces hit enemy concentrations and artillery. The enemy launched missile strikes, air strikes, and MLRS attacks, resulting in civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure. The situation in eastern and southern Ukraine remains challenging, with 89 combat clashes reported. Ukrainian units continue to hold their positions and launch counterattacks against the enemy.
Ukrainian forces have established bridgeheads on the east bank of the Kherson region, near Krynky, Poyma, and Pishchanivka, as they continue combat operations against Russian forces in eastern and southern Ukraine. The objective is to prevent Russian shelling of Ukrainian civilians on the west bank of the Kherson region, particularly near Kherson City.
Ukraine's marine corps claims to have secured multiple bridgeheads on the eastern bank of the Dnieper River in the Kherson region, resulting in significant Russian casualties and the destruction of ammunition depots and military equipment. This marks a strategic advancement for Ukraine across one of Russia's key barriers. Western officials confirm that Ukraine has established a foothold on the eastern side of the river, with portions of three brigades present. However, the gains are considered small in the overall ground war, and neither side is currently capable of mounting decisive offensive operations. Ukraine is struggling to gain support from allies as attention is focused on other conflicts, and no additional military funds have been promised.
Ukrainian forces have secured a foothold on the east bank of the Dnipro River in southern Ukraine, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's chief of staff. This marks the first official acknowledgement of Ukrainian troops being established in the Kherson region. Russian forces had previously seized the region but abandoned it last year. As Ukraine's counteroffensive progresses slowly, Ukrainian officials have been cautious in describing their activities on the east bank. Russia claimed to have thwarted a Ukrainian attempt to establish a bridgehead on the eastern bank, but this could not be independently verified. In an address to the Hudson Institute, the chief of staff emphasized the need for weapons, as Russia still maintains air superiority and has access to missile production and foreign military support.
Russian forces claim to have thwarted Ukrainian attempts to cross the Dnipro River in the Kherson region, stating that "sabotage and reconnaissance" teams were stopped near several villages. The Russian defense ministry also reported destroying Ukrainian personnel and equipment. Independent verification of these claims is not available. The Kherson region has been a site of ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, with Ukrainian forces recapturing parts of the region last year.
Russian forces claim to have thwarted Ukrainian attempts to cross the Dnipro River in the Kherson region, stating that Ukrainian "sabotage and reconnaissance" teams were stopped near several villages. The Russian defense ministry also reported destroying Ukrainian personnel, water-crossing equipment, and vehicles in the area. However, these claims could not be independently verified. Ukrainian forces had previously recaptured parts of the Kherson region but Russian forces retreated to the other side of the Dnipro River and continue to shell the city of Kherson.
The Ukrainian army has recaptured the village of Andriivka, located ten kilometers from Bakhmut, resulting in significant casualties and equipment losses for Russian forces. Meanwhile, Ukrainian authorities have ordered the compulsory evacuation of civilians in the Kherson region, which is regularly bombed by Russian forces. The region, partly controlled by Russia, had previously seen a lightning advance by Ukraine last year. The evacuations aim to protect families with children from constant enemy fire. Additionally, Kherson's regional authorities are preparing for emergency situations this winter, including ensuring electricity supplies, following Russia's deliberate strategy of "terror bombing" Ukrainian civilians last winter.
Russian forces in the Kherson Region have reportedly destroyed a Ukrainian М777 howitzer, sunk four boats carrying Ukrainian troops, and inflicted casualties on both sides. The Russian Ministry of Defense also claimed to have delivered a concentrated strike on key military industry enterprises in Ukraine, causing significant damage. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues to escalate, with both sides engaging in destructive actions.
Ukrainian forces are maintaining a presence on the east bank of the Dnipro River in the Kherson region, suggesting that they have established semi-lasting positions across the river. This poses a dilemma for Russian commanders, who must decide whether to strengthen this area or deploy troops to the region of Ukraine's main counteroffensive operations.
Russian invaders plan to detonate 20 tonnes of ammunition in the village of Rykove, Kherson region. Residents have been ordered to evacuate and the Russian military has set up reinforced checkpoints and patrols. This comes after a large Russian ammunition depot was detonated in Rykove, causing powerful explosions in the temporarily captured territory of Kherson region.
The Ukrainian Defense Forces destroyed more than 100 occupants, 20 boats, and 27 units of armored vehicles on the left bank of the Kherson region. The occupants are attempting to pull up reserves from Crimea, but in most cases, it is aimed at Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk directions. The units in the southern direction are being restored and trained for more active operations. The Ukrainian Defense Forces have eliminated about 220,450 Russian invaders since February 24, 2022.
Utility workers from 13 regions of Ukraine have arrived in Kherson region to help tackle the aftermath of the Kakhovka HPP dam destruction caused by the Russian army. The workers are pumping out water, cleaning roads, and removing garbage. The regions have also transferred 30 units of necessary equipment to Kherson. The evacuation of the affected population is ongoing.