Ukraine Commandos Battle for Control of Dnipro River in Brutal Gunbattle with Russian Troops
The Dnipro River, Europe’s fourth-longest river and a historic trading route, has become a key front line in the war between Ukraine and Russia. Ukrainian forces have been trying to gain a foothold on the eastern bank of the river, which is occupied by Russian troops, in order to launch a fresh offensive on Crimea, the peninsula illegally annexed by Russia in 2014.
A first-person video, obtained by the Daily Mail, revealed a daring scouting mission by a squad of Ukrainian commandos to the left bank of the Dnipro, near the city of Kherson. The video showed the commandos walking behind destroyed houses, when they were spotted by enemy soldiers who opened fire on them. A fierce battle broke out as the commandos waded through icy water to get to cover, while their squadmates fired back at the Russians. The video ended with the commandos retreating to the right bank, under heavy fire.
The video was not dated, but it came amidst a Ukrainian push to take control of both sides of the Dnipro, which would allow them to bypass a lot of Russian defences further to the north. The Dnipro has been a natural barrier between the two armies since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which sparked a global crisis and a diplomatic standoff. Ukraine has conducted several raids across the river, using small boats and helicopters, but has faced fierce resistance from the Russian air force and artillery.
The Dnipro is also a vital source of water, energy, and transportation for both countries. It drains an area of about 505,000 square kilometers (195,000 square miles) and flows for about 2,200 kilometers (1,367 miles) from Russia, through Belarus, to Ukraine, where it empties into the Black Sea. The river has been heavily polluted by the war, affecting the environment and the health of millions of people living along its banks6. The river has also been a witness to the history and culture of the region, as it was the cradle of the ancient Kyivan Rus state and the site of many battles and sieges.
The fate of the Dnipro, and the war in Ukraine, remains uncertain, as the international community has failed to stop the Russian aggression and to support the Ukrainian sovereignty. The video of the Ukrainian commandos shows the courage and determination of the Ukrainian soldiers, who are fighting against overwhelming odds to defend their homeland and their freedom.
