**River Crossings Critical in Ukraine-Russia Conflict**
The war between Russia and Ukraine is being fought on multiple fronts, including the country’s rivers. These natural barriers have become a significant challenge for both sides, particularly for heavy military vehicles.
Russia has been pushing hard to secure more territory before potential peace talks after US President-elect Donald Trump takes office in January. To achieve this, Russian forces have established a bridgehead over the Oskil river in eastern Ukraine. However, it’s unclear if they have built a bridge that can support assault vehicles.
**River Battles Intensify**
The Dnipro River remains a contested area in southern Ukraine. Russia controls the east bank while Ukraine holds the west bank after Russian forces withdrew from Kherson. Despite Ukraine establishing a bridgehead on the eastern bank last year, they were unable to build a bridge and eventually gave up the position.
Now, Russian forces are trying to control islands in the Dnipro river mouth to establish fortified positions for a potential west bank bridgehead. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces have destroyed bridges near Tymonovychi and Karpovychi in northern Chernihiv Oblast near the Ukraine-Russia-Belarus border.
**Both Sides Use Old Equipment**
Both Russia and Ukraine are using Soviet-era equipment to cross rivers, including MTU-72 assault bridges and PMP floating bridges. Russia has upgraded these systems with modern technology, while Ukraine has received new bridge systems through foreign aid from Germany and the United States.
**Personnel Shortages Worry Both Sides**
The bridging units of both sides are suffering heavy losses and likely operating with inadequately trained soldiers. This personnel shortage is a major concern for both Russia and Ukraine as they continue to fight on multiple fronts.
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