The collapse of the Kakhovka dam on June 6, 2023 sent a floodwater flowing downstream and disturbed minefields. AFP photo
The Dnipro, Europe’s fourth longest river and a historic trade route, has been a key front between the Russian and Ukrainian armies since the early days of the conflict.
The river winds the length of the country from north to south, eventually flowing into the Black Sea from the Kherson region and separating the two armies.
Ukraine’s recapture of the city of Kherson last November was considered a shock defeat for the Kremlin, with Russian forces on the opposing side still controlling territories and buffer zone towns as well as many villages despite they withdrew.
“The Russians are pouring everything they have at us: Artillery, attack drones…,” said an army sergeant nicknamed Vozhd.
His unit was guarding the riverbank southwest of the city of Kherson, ready to warn artillery units if Russian forces crossed the river to attack.
Wearing a hood and carrying a gun, the 38-year-old soldier said the nice weather here is working in their favor.
“Rain is the enemy. When the sky is clear, you can see the boats arriving at the dock much better,” Vozhd emphasized.
Russia’s solid defense line
Ukraine’s retaking of the city of Kherson last November was considered a shocking defeat for the Kremlin. Photo Roman Pilipey, AFP
Kiev launched a major counteroffensive in the south and east in June but the front line barely moved and the two sides continuously bombarded each other with heavy weapons.
“We have the advantage on this side,” Vozhd said, standing on a small promontory covered with dry grass.
This position is higher than the opposite bank shielding the Russian line, about 10km above water.
This fall, it was reported that Ukrainian forces appeared to have established a number of small bridgeheads on the left bank northeast of the city of Kherson.
Vozhd’s 45-year-old commander, codename Armyanchik, said his men also sometimes cross the left bank of the Dnipro River to infiltrate Russian-controlled territory.
“The Russians are well prepared. They have strong defenses. It won’t be easy but on the other hand, this is our homeland and we know the terrain well,” Armyanchik told AFP.
Mines are everywhere
Karamba, a bearded 35-year-old man, said his job was to clear mines before the attacking brigades advanced. This is a difficult task, made even more difficult by the dam collapse in June, causing floodwaters to flow downstream, disturbing minefields.
“Because of the floods, mines are everywhere: Inside ruined houses, in bushes and entangled in dead tree branches,” Karamba said.
At another location near Dnipro, a unit of the 123rd territorial brigade was using a large abandoned building as a mortar position and to hide boats.
“We have to be discreet here,” one soldier said, referring to pro-Russian informants among the locals who could snitch on them.
A natural stronghold between the two warring factions
Nearby, a 31-year-old gunner nicknamed Vitamin was assigned to fire mortar rounds at coordinates provided by scouts like Vozhd.
“The Russians have had faster boats for two months now,” Vitamin said, adjusting his mortar.
His main target was Russian forces at the network of small islands scattered across the river, where Moscow’s troops were “trying to establish positions”.
“I’m here to stop them,” the gunman claimed to have sunk six Russian ships and their crew.
“The river is a natural stronghold, making it difficult for the enemy to determine our position,” he said.
Between his legs there was a small dog named Zhulka. Ukrainian soldiers rescued it from one of the islands on the Dnipro River during an operation.
Since then, Zhulka has become a kind of “alarm signal” for Ukrainian soldiers: It always flees from approaching drones – a serious danger for Ukrainian servicemen.
“Drones are always flying above our heads, hunting for our mortars and tanks. They’re constantly shooting you down – and that’s our number one problem. The Russians have more drones than us,” Vitamin added.
