Ukrainian forces secure Dnipro River foothold amidst spring counteroffensive rumors.

Ukrainian forces have established a foothold along the eastern side of the Dnipro River, southwest of the key city of Kherson, indicating a lack of Russian control over the area and preparing for a widely anticipated spring counteroffensive. Kyiv aims to break through the land corridor between Russia and annexed Crimea, which would require troops to cross the Dnieper River. Ukrainian commanders have indicated once the weather and troops are ready, they will attempt to remove Russian forces from the south.