Holding the Dnipro Left Bank Bridgehead: A Nine-Month Operation
From September 2023 to July 2024, Ukrainian forces conducted a critical operation to maintain a bridgehead on the left bank of the Dnipro River near the village of Krynky. This mission showcased the courage and resourcefulness of Ukrainian troops, with artistic skills and bravery proving essential to its success. Denis Chumak, a Hero of Ukraine and commander of a landing craft, shared his firsthand account of executing logistics, evacuating casualties, and evading enemy fire during this prolonged campaign.
Chumak explained that large vessels could only operate in specific sections of the Dnipro, so soldiers had to use small inflatable boats—known as 'rubber ducks'—to reach Krynky itself. The Konka River, a tributary of the Dnipro, runs alongside Krynky in the left-bank part of the Kherson region. By late 2023, Russian artillery had heavily damaged the area, leaving the water cluttered with broken trees and submerged debris.
Denis Chumak’s Missions and Tactics
The boat commander outlined his primary responsibilities:
- transporting assault troops;
- delivering ammunition;
- evacuating the wounded and fallen.
“I worked along the Dnipro, ferrying troops and picking up the wounded, because that boat couldn’t reach Krynky itself—it’s too big for a river like the Konka,” said Denis Chumak.
During evacuations, his team relied on erratic maneuvering—zigzagging to minimize the risk of enemy artillery strikes. “We never move in straight lines; we always tack, making zigzags. And the more chaotic those zigzags, the better,” he added.
Chumak also addressed the psychological toll of combat missions. “Honestly, when I’m preparing for a mission, that’s when I’m scared—but I just don’t show it to my team. Once I start working, and enemy artillery is firing at me, with the water boiling around us, there’s no time for fear. I just work,” he said. While acknowledging the risks, he stressed the importance of crew coordination: “Sometimes you rely on luck, but what really matters is how well the crew works together. And it’s crucial to avoid panic.”
This nearly year-long operation stands as a powerful example of Ukrainian soldiers’ heroism and professionalism, as they continued their missions under extreme conditions, risking their lives. Chumak, who received the Star of a Hero last year for his raids from the Dnipro’s right bank to the left, demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication.
The left-bank Dnipro operation highlighted not only the region’s strategic military importance but also the unique challenges of riverine warfare. The reliance on small boats to achieve objectives underscores how Ukrainian forces have adapted to the war’s evolving demands. This experience offers valuable lessons for future operations, given the constantly shifting front lines and the need to respond swiftly to emerging threats.
As Ukrainian forces continue to execute critical operations along the Dnipro, the broader context of military engagements is equally significant. Recent actions by the Ukrainian Navy have demonstrated their offensive capabilities, including the destruction of enemy vessels and precise strikes on advanced missile systems in Crimea. To learn more about these strategic assaults and their implications for the ongoing conflict, read about the latest developments in Ukraine's naval operations.