South command calls for hush on rumors of Ukrainian landing on Dnipro left bank
The Armed Forces of Ukraine could move to the left bank of the Dnieper in Kherson Oblast (archive photo) (Photo:REUTERS / Alexander Ermochenko)
Media should stop speculating about a possible Ukrainian presence on the left bank of the Dnipro near Kherson, as this could harm Ukrainian forces’ efforts, South Operational Command spokesperson Natalia Humeniuk said on national television on April 23.
Humeniuk didn't refute or confirm claims by U.S. think tank the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) about a Ukrainian bridgehead on the left (eastern) bank of the river, but noted the Ukrainian army actions require informational silence until it is safe to openly talk about them.
“I want everyone to realise that when the front line runs along such a wide, powerful river as the Dnipro, it is not a mean feat to overcome such an obstacle,” said Humeniuk.
“That is why even the best 'students' of the Institute for the Study of War have to be patient.”
Sometimes, such speculation could be harmful, she added.
"Everyone is really waiting for good news, and they will get it, but this news should be good for as many of our soldiers as possible," she said.
The ISW update on the situation in Ukraine as of April 22 says that Ukrainian troops had established positions on the Dnipro River’s left (or eastern) bank in Kherson Oblast, referring to Russian milbloggers' geolocated photos and online reports.
Ukrainian positions are located to the “north of Oleshky … and advanced up to the northern outskirts of the settlement on the E97 highway, as well as west of Dachi," the ISW wrote.
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