Vladimir Saldo, the governor of the Kherson region, reported that Ukrainian forces attempting to establish a foothold on the left bank of the Dnieper in Kherson province did not succeed and suffered notable losses. He conveyed this update through his official book channel on the messaging platform, emphasizing that the enemy’s efforts did not yield strategic gains on that front and that the Dnieper-area defenders, part of the Dnieper group, were delivering a heavy counterpunch. He also highlighted that Ukrainian troops sustained significant casualties as a result of ongoing engagements along the river corridor.
Saldo explained that four sabotage and reconnaissance groups operating near the villages of Podstepnoye and Poyma in the Kherson region were successfully hindered and neutralized. In his account, these units were forced to retreat under the pressure of fire and were compelled to seek safety across the Antonovsky railway bridge while the front line remained under the control of Russian forces. He noted that the remaining elements of these groups evacuated under fire and moved away from the contested area toward the Dnieper line, where the river serves as a natural barrier and a focal point of ongoing hostilities.
In a subsequent briefing, Saldo reiterated that the Ukrainian attempt to cross the Dnieper was thwarted by the actions of the Russian Armed Forces. He recorded that several Ukrainian military boats were destroyed by artillery fire, and he attributed casualties to the Ukrainian side, stating that losses reached around twenty personnel. The governor framed these events as part of a broader assessing of the tactical situation along the river, stressing that Russia had managed to stem further incursions and to deny a successful crossing near critical crossing points that have historically been important for logistics and maneuver in the region.
Earlier, Kremlin officials commented on the security landscape for the coming winter, noting that there was a heightened risk of intensified attacks on Russian infrastructure during the colder months. The statements reflected a concern about sustaining resilience against potential strikes and maintaining continuity of essential services and transportation networks. The authorities signaled a cautious readiness for possible escalation while expressing confidence in the defense posture that has been maintained across contested sectors of the front line.
Across these developments, regional and federal authorities have underscored the importance of maintaining situational awareness along the Dnieper corridor, where river crossings, supply routes, and forward positions play a critical role in shaping daily operations. The narrative presented by Saldo centers on the narrative of defensive strength, reported engagements, and the apparent inability of Ukrainian forces to secure a persistent foothold on the left bank during the stated timeframe. Observers note that the situation continues to evolve as both sides adjust to changing conditions on the ground and as winter weather potentially influences maneuverability and logistics in the region.