On October 19, Ukrainian marines crossed the Dnipro River, engaging in a series of infantry actions in and around the settlement of Krynky. Through these maneuvers, they successfully established a bridgehead on the left bank of the river, which was otherwise under Russian occupation.
The establishment and retention of a bridgehead mark the initial phase of Ukraine’s southern command’s efforts to sustain the country’s southern counteroffensive, which commenced in June but has experienced a lull in recent weeks. This strategic move sets the stage for a potential advance deeper into Russian-held southern Kherson Oblast, serving as the gateway to occupied Crimea. Ukrainian marines crossed
Recognizing the significance of this development, the Kremlin has responded, and there are indications of Russian motor-rifle regiments in southern Kherson attempting an armored counterattack against the entrenched Ukrainian marines. Recent evidence reveals that Ukrainian drones successfully targeted a Russian T-62 tank, an upgraded Obr. 2022 version of the 1960s-era tank, just a few miles east of Krynky.
This specific T-62 variant, modernized with 1PN96MT-02 thermal sights and reactive armor, showcases Russia’s response to the significant losses of its tanks in Ukraine, with hundreds of 41-ton, four-person tanks re-entering service from storage. While the T-62 Obr. 2022s haven’t been extensively observed in action, recent reports suggest troops in southern Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia Oblast are training with this upgraded tank model. The ongoing developments underscore the heightened military dynamics in the region.