Ukrainian Marines Push Occupiers from Islands in Kherson Region, Expand 'Kill Zone' – Brigade Commander

Ukrainian marines have cleared a number of islands in the Dnipro River in the Kherson region from Russian occupation forces. The commander of the 34th Separate Marine Brigade, Dmytro Pulynets, stated this in an interview with the project "Crimea.Realities" (Radio Liberty).

According to him, the islands in question are located between Oleshky and Kherson, including Oleksiivskyi, Kruhlyk, Korabeliv, and Potiomkynskyi islands. Pulynets noted that Russian troops had previously occupied these islands, but now they are under the control of Ukrainian marines.

"Currently, it is very difficult for them to stay in the island area; that is their main task. The enemy's main effort is concentrated precisely here. The fact that units of the 34th Brigade are located on the island area is a thorn in their side, no secret. And their task is to push us into the water, literally. And they do not stop trying to do this," the commander said.

Ukrainian forces managed to push Russian units away from the island area and even from the city of Oleshky. The marines cut enemy logistics in this area and expanded the so-called "kill zone."

"Logistics were cut, the kill zone expanded. The Russians had a stronghold at the Konkivskyi road bridge; they always accumulated and stayed there, but something started to fail today and yesterday (the interview was published on June 13 – ed.)," Pulynets noted.

The marines of the 34th Brigade are currently holding positions on the left bank of the Dnipro as well, but the commander did not disclose details. According to him, observation posts are set up to prevent the enemy from crossing the river. Supplies to the positions are delivered exclusively by air.

Pulynets also said that rotations to and from the left bank are mini special operations. Soldiers wait for difficult weather conditions – rain, snow, or fog – to move. All available means are used to cover their exit and entry.