Analysis: Dnipro river remains a central focus as Russia battles to dislodge Ukrainian advances

Ukrainian marines achieved a great victory against all the odds when they crossed the Dnipro River in 2023, despite the mission being 'doomed to fail'.

So, what is currently happening on the Dnipro as the Ukrainians retain their foothold and Russia continues to try to dislodge them?

During the summer of 2023, Ukrainian troops from the 35th Marine Brigade crossed the river and established a foothold on the left bank and this was followed by them fending off repeated attacks by Russian forces.

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The MOD said the Russian Armed Forces suffered "exceptionally heavy losses" trying to dislodge the Ukrainians. 

The battle took place on the Dnipro River in southern Ukraine where one of the key Ukrainian bridgeheads is located.

Members of the Ukrainian marines, in a force believed to be 300 strong, crossed the bridge in October and secured the villages of Krynky and Pishchanivka.

A Russian counterattack was launched by the newly formed 104th VDV Air Assault Division who were believed to be 6,000 in number. However, due to the unit's inexperience, they were unable to overpower the marines' positions.

The foothold was established a mile inland and was secured using armoured personnel carriers, radio jamming techniques and electronic warfare.

This prevented the Russian UAVs from being deployed, which in turn allowed Ukrainian kamikaze drones to attack without opposition.

The Russians also deployed suicide waves by sending troops and vehicles into minefields. 

In an unexpected twist, masked Russian soldiers fighting in the area posted a video online criticizing their commanders and their 'insane' tactics.

An unknown soldier in the video, said: "We were deployed here on 30 July 2023. Still no rotation. Not a single day off. We were deployed without ammo. Each had four or six magazines. Some didn't have armour."

The soldiers also claimed that 80% of the Russian attack force had either been killed in action or wounded.

Following the battle, Ukraine has been able to advance towards Crimea. Its progress, however, has been slowed by overwhelming firepower from Russian artillery.

There have also been reports that the Russians have managed to push back into Krynky in several places.

The ongoing fighting is thought to be very consuming for Russia, and Ukraine is holding on.