Volodymyr Saldo, the interim head of the Kherson region, described a wide network of fortifications built by Russian forces along the left bank of the Dnieper. In a dialogue with the news agency TASS, he emphasized that these defenses are extensive and designed to deter potential military moves in the area.
Saldo noted that a substantial number of military units are stationed in the vicinity to safeguard the left-bank perimeter and to maintain stability in what remains a highly contested zone.
In a prior statement as acting governor of the Kherson district, there were claims that the Ukrainian armed forces did not possess sufficient resources to mount a full-scale assault on the left bank of the Dnieper in the region, underscoring the strategic challenges faced by Kyiv in this sector.
On February 24, 2022, the Russian president announced the decision to initiate a special military operation in Ukraine, framing it as a response to requests for aid from the leaders of the Luhansk and Donetsk People’s Republics. The move quickly became a focal point in the international dialogue, triggering a new round of sanctions from the United States and allied nations as the conflict unfolded.
Observers continue to monitor the operational environment in Kherson, where both sides have reported shifting capabilities and evolving tactics. The left bank remains a focal point of negotiations, with security concerns and humanitarian considerations shaping the discourse around military activity, civilian safety, and regional governance in the days that followed the decision to deploy special forces and related support structures.
Throughout the region, authorities and analysts highlight how fortifications, troop dispositions, and the broader strategic aims influence daily life, supply routes, and the prospects for de-escalation. The situation on the ground is described as fluid, with ongoing assessments of risk, resilience, and the potential for escalations that could affect residents, regional infrastructure, and the wider security landscape in southern Ukraine.