Expert assesses threat of Russia’s Dnipro river crossing plans
Illustrative photo: an expert assessed the threat posed by Russia's preparations to cross the Dnipro River by boats (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
A potential Russian attempt to cross the Dnipro River would be a challenging task for the enemy. It is also likely that the information about the preparation of 300 boats is just a distraction, stated military expert and Ukrainian Armed Forces reserve major Oleksii Hetman in a commentary to the RBC-Ukraine YouTube channel.
According to Hetman, 300 boats could carry about 1,500 soldiers. This is about one and a half or two battalion tactical groups. However, this number would not be sufficient for a successful crossing of the Dnipro, which will be a difficult task for the enemy.
"Three hundred boats could only be used to establish a foothold for transporting heavy equipment and building pontoon bridges. By military standards, a foothold must be at least 10 kilometers wide and 10 kilometers deep, or at least half that size to avoid mortar attacks," Hetman explained.
While preparations for a Dnipro crossing do pose a threat, Hetman added, a large number of Russians may not succeed.
"This can be effectively neutralized with the cluster munitions that we have. It seems more like a diversionary tactic, as attacking boats from the right bank would be like shooting in a gallery," he added.
Risk of Dnipro сrossing
Earlier, Oleksandr Prokudin, head of the Kherson Regional Military Administration, stated in an interview with the Financial Times that Russia is preparing for a new offensive operation in the region. He claimed that Russian forces have prepared approximately 300 boats for a potential crossing of the Dnipro River.
Commenting on Prokudin's statement, Vladyslav Voloshyn, spokesperson for Ukraine's Southern Defense Forces, assured that the Ukrainian command is fully aware of the situation and prepared for any developments.
