Russian troops were surprised by Ukrainian counter-offensive

According to British secret services, Ukraine is currently forcing a broad advance on three axes west of the Dnipro River in its counter-offensive in the Cherson region in the south of the country. Although this offensive only had limited immediate targets, it probably surprised the Russians tactically, according to a short report by the Ministry of Defense in London on Saturday.

This would expose logistical shortcomings and weaknesses in the leadership of the Russian offensive. Russian commanders would now have to decide which region to focus on for supplies and reserve troops. Especially since the Ukrainian army appears to have been quite successful in shelling the Russian supply routes in the Cherson region.

For weeks, the defenders have been attacking the three connecting bridges across the southern part of the Dnipro. According to Ukraine, the Antonivka Bridge near the regional capital of Cherson has been unusable for some time. On Saturday, Twitter users shared satellite images of the bridge over the Novaya Kakhovka dam. It is said to have partially collapsed.

If the bridges can no longer be used, the Russian troops will have to find new ways across the Dnipro – for example with makeshift bridges or ferries across the wide river

Since the beginning of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine at the end of February, the British government has regularly published intelligence information on its progress. Moscow accuses London of a targeted disinformation campaign. (with dpa)