88 Days of Hell: The Heroic Stand of Ukrainian Forces in Krynki
In the annals of Ukraine’s resistance against Russian aggression, the story of Dmitry Kord stands as a testament too the unyielding spirit of it’s defenders. For 88 grueling days, Kord and his comrades from the 126th Separate Territorial Defense Brigade held thier ground in Krynki,a small village on the left bank of the Dnipro River. Their mission: to defend a critical bridgehead against relentless Russian assaults.
The battle for Krynki was nothing short of harrowing. Kord recalls the chaos that began the moment their boats approached the shore. “The ground was literally burning under our feet. Something immediately exploded in front of our boat, we miraculously survived.This, it turned out, was only the beginning of hell,” he recounted.
for three months, Kord and his unit faced up to 15 Russian assaults daily, enduring constant shelling and unimaginable hardship. Despite the odds, they managed to hold their position, repelling attacks around the clock. But the toll was heavy. Losses mounted, and when the time came to evacuate, the operation failed, leaving Kord stranded with a severe leg injury.
Alone and injured, Kord embarked on a perilous journey to safety. He swam across the Konka River, battling its fierce currents, and then trekked nearly two kilometers through swamps, leaning on a stick for support. “The current in the river, even though it was narrow, was simply crazy. I entered in one place and came out to the shore 200 meters from it,” he said. His meticulous study of the terrain beforehand proved crucial, guiding him to Ukrainian positions after a day and a half of grueling effort.
Kord’s heroism did not go unnoticed. For his courage and resilience, he was awarded the Cross of Military Merit by the Ukrainian president.
The battle for Krynki was a microcosm of the broader struggle in the region.captured by Russian forces at the start of the full-scale invasion, the village became a focal point of Ukrainian counteroffensives.By November 2023, Ukrainian forces had successfully established a bridgehead in Krynki, marking a meaningful tactical achievement. However, the cost was staggering. Reports indicate that from October 2023 to June 2024, 788 Ukrainian defenders disappeared without a trace.By July 2024, Ukrainian forces had retreated from Krynki, but their stand remains a symbol of defiance. The village, now reduced to ruins, stands as a testament to the sacrifices made in the fight for freedom.
Key Events in the Battle for Krynki
Table of Contents
| Event | Timeline | Details |
|——————————–|—————————-|—————————————————————————–|
| Russian Capture of krynki | Early 2022 | Occupied at the start of the full-scale invasion. |
| Ukrainian Bridgehead Established | November 2023 | Defense Forces gain a foothold on the left bank of the Dnipro. |
| Intense Fighting | october 2023 – June 2024 | Up to 15 daily assaults, constant shelling, and heavy losses. |
| Ukrainian Retreat | July 2024 | Forces withdraw after months of brutal combat.|
The story of Krynki is one of resilience, sacrifice, and unyielding determination. As Ukraine continues its fight for sovereignty, the bravery of soldiers like Dmitry Kord serves as a beacon of hope and a reminder of the human cost of war.
For more on the ongoing conflict, explore our coverage of Ukraine’s counteroffensive operations and the broader implications of the war.
88 Days of Hell: A Deep Dive into the Heroic Stand of Ukrainian Forces in Krynki
in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, the battle for Krynki stands out as a symbol of resilience and sacrifice. For 88 grueling days, Ukrainian forces, including soldiers like Dmitry Kord, held their ground against relentless Russian assaults. To shed light on this pivotal moment in the war, we sat down with Dr. Oleksandr Hrytsenko, a military historian and expert on the ukraine-Russia conflict, to discuss the strategic significance, human cost, and lessons learned from the battle for Krynki.
The Strategic Importance of Krynki
Senior Editor: Dr. Hrytsenko, thank you for joining us. Let’s start with the basics. Why was Krynki such a critical location in this conflict?
Dr. Oleksandr Hrytsenko: Thank you for having me. Krynki, a small village on the left bank of the Dnipro River, became a focal point because of its strategic position.Controlling Krynki meant controlling access to key supply routes and creating a potential bridgehead for further Ukrainian counteroffensives. For the Russians, losing Krynki would have been a meaningful blow to their defensive lines.
Senior Editor: How did Ukrainian forces manage to establish a bridgehead there in November 2023?
Dr. Oleksandr Hrytsenko: It was a combination of meticulous planning and sheer determination. Ukrainian forces conducted a daring amphibious operation under heavy fire. Despite the chaos and constant shelling, they managed to secure a foothold. This was a remarkable achievement, given the logistical challenges and the intensity of Russian resistance.
The Human Cost of the Battle
Senior Editor: The battle for Krynki was incredibly costly. Reports indicate that 788 Ukrainian defenders disappeared without a trace. Can you elaborate on the human toll of this operation?
Dr. oleksandr Hrytsenko: the numbers are staggering,but they only tell part of the story. The conditions in Krynki were nothing short of hellish. Soldiers faced up to 15 assaults daily, constant artillery fire, and a lack of adequate medical supplies. Many of those who disappeared were likely killed in action,their bodies never recovered due to the intensity of the fighting. The psychological toll on the survivors is immeasurable.
Senior Editor: Dmitry Kord’s story is particularly harrowing. Can you share your thoughts on his journey to safety after being injured?
Dr. Oleksandr Hrytsenko: Kord’s story is a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of Ukrainian soldiers. Despite a severe leg injury, he swam across the Konka River and trekked through swamps to reach safety.His survival is a miracle, but it also highlights the incredible sacrifices made by individual soldiers. His meticulous preparation and knowledge of the terrain were crucial to his survival.
The Aftermath and Legacy of Krynki
Senior Editor: By July 2024, Ukrainian forces had retreated from Krynki.What does this mean for the broader conflict?
Dr. Oleksandr Hrytsenko: While the retreat was a tactical setback, the battle for Krynki was not fought in vain. It demonstrated Ukraine’s ability to conduct complex operations under extreme conditions and inflicted significant losses on Russian forces.the village, now in ruins, stands as a symbol of Ukrainian defiance and the high cost of freedom.
Senior editor: What lessons can be drawn from the battle for krynki?
Dr. Oleksandr Hrytsenko: The battle underscores the importance of preparation, adaptability, and the human element in warfare. It also highlights the need for continued international support for Ukraine. The bravery of soldiers like dmitry Kord reminds us that the fight for sovereignty is not just about territory but about the values of freedom and resilience.
Looking Ahead
Senior Editor: As Ukraine continues its counteroffensive operations, what role do you think stories like Kord’s will play in shaping the narrative of the war?
Dr. Oleksandr Hrytsenko: Stories like Kord’s are crucial. They humanize the conflict and remind the world of the sacrifices being made. They also serve as a source of inspiration for Ukrainian forces and civilians alike. As the war drags on, these stories will continue to fuel the determination to fight for a free and sovereign Ukraine.
Senior Editor: Thank you, Dr.Hrytsenko, for your insights. The battle for Krynki is a stark reminder of the human cost of war and the unyielding spirit of those who fight for freedom.
Dr. Oleksandr Hrytsenko: Thank you. It’s critically important that we continue to tell these stories, not just for history’s sake, but to honor those who have given so much.
For more on the ongoing conflict, explore our coverage of Ukraine’s counteroffensive operations and the broader implications of the war.
