With the Russo-Ukrainian war going on for over a year and a half, both sides have been drained of supplies, food, and morale. Despite this, Ukraine has crossed the Dnipro River and into Russian-occupied territory. President Vladimir Putin of Russia has denied Ukrainian advances, stating that Ukrainian operations are failing.
Ukraine aims to reach and take the Sea of Azov coast, which will split Russia’s army in two. By doing this they will make the Kremlin’s supply lines more complicated. The counteroffensive has been slow, with Ukraine only receiving small territorial gains. The ISW quoted Russian sources stating that two Ukrainian naval infantry brigades conducted an assault across the Dnipro River onto the east bank on October 17 and 18.
