**Battle for the Dnipro Islands Heats Up**
The front lines in Ukraine are seeing intense fighting, but one area is getting little attention: the battle for control of a series of small islands in the Dnipro River.
Ukrainian and Russian forces have been locked in an ongoing fight over the islands, which would allow Moscow’s forces to intensify attacks on the embattled city of Kherson in southern Ukraine. Local clashes take place every day, with both sides trading intense artillery fire and drone attacks.
**Why Are the Islands Important?**
Controlling the Dnipro islands means controlling the Dnipro River and its coastline. The river separates Ukrainian forces on the west bank from Russian-held east bank positions. Russia has been shelling Kherson and surrounding villages, killing civilians in attacks that continue to this day.
Ukraine wants to push eastward from the river to create a buffer zone between the Russian-held east bank and the Ukrainian-controlled west bank. This would make it harder for Russian troops to launch attacks on Kherson.
**Current Situation**
The current situation is tense, with both sides locked in daily battles. Russian forces are trying to gain footholds on and around the Dnipro islands, but Ukrainian forces maintain fire control over positions in the area. Experts say that while the front line along the Dnipro River is more secure, Russia aims to weaken Ukraine’s defensive line.
Russian troops are also massing on the Tendra and Kinburn spits, an effort to control the mouth of the Dnipro. Ukrainian forces continue to fend off Russian attacks, using artillery shells and drones to defend their positions.
**Russian Plans**
Kherson Oblast Governor Oleksandr Prokudin told the Financial Times that Russia plans to launch another offensive in the direction of Kherson. He said Russia had assembled 300 boats to cross the river, suggesting a possible escalation of fighting in the area.
Ukrainian forces are preparing for increased pressure from Russian forces. Spokesperson Vladyslav Voloshyn said Ukraine’s defense forces were reliably defending the city of Kherson and the entire west bank.