Overview
Ukrainian forces have maintained a presence on the left (eastern) bank of the Dnipro River in Kherson Oblast since late 2023 when small units crossed the river and established positions in the Krynky area. By spring 2026, left bank operations have evolved from the initial high-risk river crossings into a sustained operational concept combining small unit positions, extensive drone coverage, and precision artillery to pressure Russian forces and tie down significant resources defending against potential Ukrainian expansion.
Operational Concept
- Bridgehead positions: Ukrainian forces maintain company-strength positions at multiple points along the left bank, sustained through nighttime boat crossings and drone-covered resupply. Positions are rotated regularly to manage the extreme conditions
- Drone dominance: Both sides saturate the Dnipro crossing zone with drones. Ukrainian FPV drones target Russian positions, vehicles, and fortifications on the left bank, while Russian drones attempt to interdict Ukrainian boat crossings. The drone battle over the river has become one of the war's most intense micro-engagements
- Artillery interdiction: Ukrainian precision artillery (including Excalibur and other guided munitions) targets Russian logistics and reinforcement movements on the left bank, exploiting the flat terrain that limits concealment
- Russian defense: Russia maintains substantial forces to defend the left bank of Kherson Oblast, including mining of likely crossing points, fortification of positions, and persistent surveillance of the river line
Strategic Debate
The Kherson left bank operations are among the war's most debated tactical decisions. Critics argue the bridgeheads are too small and vulnerable to achieve meaningful objectives, with the cost of maintaining positions under constant fire disproportionate to gains. Supporters counter that the operations:
- Tie down Russian forces that might otherwise be redeployed to the Donetsk front
- Maintain the threat of a larger cross-river operation, preventing Russia from reducing its Kherson garrison
- Provide intelligence collection opportunities and forward observation for strikes deep into occupied Kherson Oblast
- Demonstrate Ukrainian ability to operate offensively even in unfavorable conditions
Regardless of the tactical debate, the left bank operations demonstrate Ukrainian military determination and the evolving role of drones in enabling operations that would be impossible with traditional capabilities alone.