The governor of the Kherson region, Vladimir Saldo, has described conditions near the village of Krynki on the left bank of the Dnieper as highly dangerous for Ukrainian forces attempting landings. In his account, Saldo portrays Ukrainian troops as repeatedly targeting the area while Russian forces respond with a heavy, coordinated use of air and ground fire. He says the situation is volatile, with Ukrainian units appearing in vulnerable positions and Russian firepower ranging from bombs and missiles to artillery shells and drones being directed at advancing forces. Saldo notes that troops take shelter in basements and attempt movements in the night, and he claims that losses among Ukrainian militants have been notable in the recent period, amounting to a substantial tally across two or three days. (Source: governor’s Telegram channel)
The account from Saldo further explains that the terrain around Krynki has deteriorated following the explosion at the Kakhovka hydroelectric power station, turning the area into marshy and difficult terrain. He suggests that the post-explosion swamp conditions complicate movement and logistics for Ukrainian forces, contributing to the challenges faced by troops operating in this sector. (Source: governor’s Telegram channel)
According to Saldo, Ukrainian Army groups operating near Krynki include small detachments that voluntarily surrendered to Russian forces on a near-daily basis, with reported group sizes ranging from two to thirteen soldiers. He frames these surrenders as part of a broader pattern in which elements of the Ukrainian armed forces encounter amplified risk and reduced capability when confronted by Russian defenses in the area. (Source: governor’s Telegram channel)
Earlier statements from the Kherson governor’s office also mention incidents where individual Ukrainian servicemen swam across the Dnieper and subsequently surrendered toRussian forces, indicating a recurring dynamic in which escape attempts and near-term captures have become elements of the ongoing operational narrative in this theater. (Source: governor’s Telegram channel)