File photo: Ukrainian sappers dig up a rocket of multiple launch system in a field, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kherson region, Ukraine November 9, 2023.
REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi/File photo Acquire Licensing RightsKYIV, Nov 15 (Reuters) - Ukrainian troops have crossed the vast River Dnipro into occupied areas of Kherson region and are operating in small groups, Russia conceded on Wednesday, saying it had dispatched more troops to stop them.
A Ukrainian military spokesperson added on Wednesday that Ukrainian troops were trying to push Russian forces back from the eastern bank of the river, which serves as a formidable natural barrier on the battlefield.
COUNTEROFFENSIVE 'DEVELOPING'Russia has largely held Kyiv's counteroffensive at bay in the southeast, but an advance in occupied Kherson region could spread their defences thinner and ratchet up pressure.
Russian troops seized Kherson region in the early days of their invasion, but retreated a year ago from the city of Kherson and other positions on the western side of the river.
Persons:
Viacheslav, Vladimir Saldo, Natalia Humeniuk, Volodymyr Zelenskiy's, Andriy Yermak, Yermak, Tom Balmforth, Olena Harmash, Alex Richardson
Organizations:
REUTERS, Rights, Thomson
Locations:
Ukraine, Kherson region, Dnipro, Kherson, Russia, Kyiv, Ukrainian, Russian, Moscow, Krynky, United States