British Defense Intelligence Ukraine Update, July 20, 2022
Russia continues to make minimal gains in its Donbas offensive, with Ukrainian forces holding the line. On 19 July 2022, the authorities in Russian-occupied Kherson reported that the Antonovskiy Bridg
- Russia continues to make minimal gains in its Donbas offensive, with Ukrainian forces holding the line.
- On 19 July 2022, the authorities in Russian-occupied Kherson reported that the Antonovskiy Bridge over the Dnieper River had been struck by Ukrainian forces. Social media posts showed apparent battle damage to the bridge’s roadway.
- It is highly likely that the bridge remains usable – but it is a key vulnerability for Russian Forces.
- It is one of only two road crossing points over the Dnieper by which Russia can supply or withdraw its forces in the territory it has occupied west of the river.
- This area includes the city of Kherson, which is politically and symbolically important for Russia. The lower reaches of the Dnieper present a natural barrier, with the waterway typically around 1000m wide.
- Control of Dnieper crossings is likely to become a key factor in the outcome of fighting in the region.