The Latest Breaking News from Dnipro

Ukrainian special forces officers spent six months on their mission to establish a bridgehead across the Dnipro River in southern Ukraine after an explosion destroyed the dam upstream

It is a year now since Ukrainian forces liberated Kherson. I knew it before the war as a polyglot and bustling port city (if still determinedly Soviet in feel) sitting largely on the western (right) bank of the mighty Dnipro River.

Ukraine’s claims of counteroffensive momentum come amid efforts to secure more arms from the West.

Ukrainian breakthrough across the Dnipro River could open up a new line to attack Crimea

Russian officials acknowledge presence of Ukrainian troops, reported to be engaged in heavy fighting

Some 300 Ukrainian troops are reported to have seized land on the east bank of the Dnipro River

Both sides are launching maritime raids in small boats

There have been reports that Ukrainian units have crossed the Dnipro River and established bridgeheads on the eastern side – which could be an important moment in Ukraine’s summer counteroffensive push in the south. How many troops made the crossing and how secure their bridgehead really is, remains unclear.

Up to seven Ukrainian boats are reported to have been involved in the operation