The Korabel Bridge has been under daily attack by Russian forces since August 2. "On August 6, the Russian air force dropped 7 guided bombs on the bridge. The bridge has been damaged, but people can still cross it," Oleksandr Prokudin, the Ukrainian-appointed head of the Kherson regional military administration, said on August 7.

The Korabel Bridge spans the Kosheva branch of the Dnieper River, connecting Korabel Island to the Ukrainian-held part of Kherson city. Built in 1954 during the Soviet era, the bridge underwent its most recent major renovation in 2004.

While the bridge is still passable, Prokudin acknowledged that crossing it is difficult, impacting the delivery of essential supplies to Korabel Island. 1,000 residents have been evacuated from the island, and Ukrainian officials have no plans to repair the bridge due to the precarious security situation.

Russian media previously released video of a FAB-3000 UMPK glide bomb striking the Korabel Bridge, but the structure remained standing. According to the Russian military website Top War, the attack did not completely destroy the bridge, but it disrupted logistical operations to Korabel Island.

"Destroying the bridge would exacerbate the already difficult situation for Ukrainian troops in the Kherson region. A significant portion of the roads in the area are within range of artillery and drones, making Ukrainian troop movements extremely dangerous and affecting logistical supplies," the website stated.

A hole in the Korabel Bridge after a Russian airstrike. Photo: Ukrainska Pravda

On August 6, CNN speculated that Russia might attack the west bank of the Dnieper River in the coming weeks. "The pressure to separate Korabel Island from the rest of Kherson city raises concerns that Russia might try to bomb the area and then deploy troops onto the flattened land," CNN reported.

However, the Ukrainian military's Southern Command dismissed this information, asserting that a Russian landing on Korabel Island is "currently very unlikely." To carry out such an operation, Russian units would have to cross several islands and river branches, risking detection and interception.

Location of Korabel Island and Kherson city. Graphics: RYV

Russia seized Kherson city, the capital of the Kherson region, a few days after launching its "special military operation" in 2/2022. In 10/2022, Ukrainian forces regained control of Kherson city and part of the region after Russia withdrew its troops from the west to the east bank of the Dnieper River. Ukraine subsequently launched several operations to cross the Dnieper River and establish a bridgehead on the east bank, but these attempts were unsuccessful.

The west bank of the Dnieper River, including Kherson city, is frequently targeted by Russian forces. "Korabel is under constant attack and is one of the most dangerous places in Kherson," Prokudin said.

Nguyen Tien (According to War Zone, AFP, AP)