This stagnant war resembles a perpetual, slow-motion clash where artillery and gunfire sharpen the conflict into a war of attrition. Ukrainian and Russian forces exchange pressure in a mostly flat theatre, lacking high ground or dense cover, making maneuver difficult and rendering terrain a neutral stage for artillery supremacy. The cadence is a relentless, armor-led advance that suits the Kremlin’s strategic preferences, a pattern seen in the early phases of the war with limited success as Russian units attempted to seize Ukraine’s territory.
Since November, the focus has centered on the Kherson front, where observers watch the movements with keen, wary eyes. The Dnieper River, the fourth-longest in Europe, runs through the area, its riverbed roughly one kilometer wide and surrounded by swamps and parallel channels. This watery barrier became an informal obstacle comparable to a Maginot line for Russian troops, shaping a new, disputed border that many states do not recognize. After commands ordered the right bank to be evacuated in mid-autumn, the river has complicated every combat operation. A sergeant from the 128th Territorial Defense Battalion notes the strategic challenge presented by the river on the front near Kherson.
Russian Artillery Buildup
A senior artillery officer describes how Russian forces are consolidating BM-21 Grad batteries and BM-30 Smersh rocket launchers on the left bank, among other pieces of firepower. The Grad system can strike targets up to about 20 kilometers away, while Smersh offers a broader reach. The officer adds that the intensity of the artillery exchanges here dwarfs what is seen on other fronts in the East, with thousands of rounds fired daily and heavy casualties among civilians and troops alike. The scale of bombardment is stark and sobering.
The battalion commander, Colonel Oleksandr Positko, corroborates the assessment of the artillery dispositions and explains how defensive lines were designed on the opposite bank. He describes how trenches were dug along the shore, mobilized soldiers deployed, and artillery positioned at ranges of two to ten kilometers. The relentless bombardment continued, forcing a constant state of alert for both sides.
The observers note a cautious optimism among Ukrainian units. There is agreement that the Russian army may attempt another river crossing, but the prior withdrawal in November is viewed as a prudent decision that averted a major crisis. A destroyed house in a village serves as stark evidence that aerial and ground actions can threaten even well-protected positions. The 128th Territorial Defense Battalion has become a key pillar in the defense, with local fighters and volunteers contributing to a broader readiness. Ukrainian forces emphasize the need to be prepared for any scenario, including potential amphibious operations, and the leadership, including Colonel Positko, is focused on training and organizing a diverse group of volunteers, professionals, and new soldiers who bring a variety of skills to the frontline.
In this landscape, the interaction of river barriers, terrain, and artillery power shapes a tense, constantly evolving battlefield. The balance of risks and opportunities continues to shift as both sides adapt to the river’s strategic implications and the evolving capabilities of weapons systems employed on this front. The situation remains fluid, with rapid developments possible and a strong emphasis on preparedness and resilience among Ukrainian forces and their supporters.