Russia’s Ruthless Assault on Kherson City
In a desperate bid to secure territorial gains before US President Donald Trump’s inauguration, Russian forces have intensified their brutal assaults on Kherson City, aiming to cross the Dnipro River and establish a foothold on the western bank controlled by Ukraine.
A Resident’s Tale: Surviving the Unthinkable
Five days before Christmas, the residents of Kherson City were jolted awake by the deafening sounds of explosions as Russian forces unleashed a relentless attack on the city. Among them was Alyona Maliarenko, a writer and artist who took to Facebook to document the harrowing experience of living through the chaos and destruction.
Alyona, like many Khersonians, had already endured nine months of occupation, floods, and years of shelling. Liberated in 2022, the city now faced daily attacks that brought death and destruction to its doorsteps.
The Human Cost of Russian Aggression
Since the beginning of 2024, the Russian army has bombarded the Kherson OblAST over 39,000 times, resulting in the deaths of 251 people, including a child, and injuring over 1,800 residents. The use of small drones in “human safari” attacks has terrorized civilians, leading to further casualties and devastation.
The Battle for Kherson City: A Desperate Bid for Domination
Despite the failure of a recent river assault, Russian forces, under the command of Mikhail Teplinsky, are gearing up for a new offensive on Kherson City. With plans to deploy up to 4,000 troops, including elite brigades, Russia aims to overcome logistical challenges and establish a stronghold on the west bank of the Dnipro River.
However, Ukrainian forces remain vigilant, targeting Russian assembly sites and thwarting attempts to construct pontoon crossings. The treacherous terrain and strategic advantage held by Ukrainian forces pose formidable obstacles to Russia’s ambitions.
As tensions escalate and the fate of Kherson City hangs in the balance, the resilience of its residents and the determination of Ukrainian forces stand as a testament to the courage and spirit of a city under siege.
