**Russia’s “Island Tactic” in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Crumbling, Claims Armiia TV**
In a desperate bid to regain control over Ukraine, Russia has been employing a tactic dubbed the “island tactic.” However, this strategy is now backfiring, and lives are being lost. According to reports from Armiia TV, only a small fraction of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, likely less than 5%, is under Russian occupation.
Mostly limited to border settlements captured during recent offensives, the majority of the region remains firmly in Ukrainian hands, including its administrative center, the city of Dnipro. This shift in control has been a major blow to Russia’s plans to expand their territory before May 9th, Victory Day, a significant national holiday commemorating the Soviet victory in World War II.
**Russian Soldiers Trapped in Suicidal Assaults**
In an attempt to capture strategic locations, Russian troops are being sent into suicidal assaults on the Dnipro River near Kherson. These soldiers are packed onto boats without support or supplies and left to fend for themselves. The situation is grim, with most not surviving the ordeal. Those who do face a dire choice: surrender or die.
According to Serhii Bratchuk, spokesperson for the Ukrainian Volunteer Army, this “typical algorithm” used by Russia has become a death trap for Russian soldiers. Ukrainian firepower meets the boats before they even land, resulting in the destruction of over 300 Russian watercraft since December 2024, he reports.
**Russian Military Push Falters**
Despite efforts to intensify their offensive, the Russian military is facing significant setbacks. Taras Myshak, senior communications officer of the 59th Separate Assault Brigade of Unmanned Systems named after Yakiv Handziuk, explains that capturing new territory by May 9th would serve several purposes for Russia.
Meanwhile, signs of collapse in Kherson Oblast are becoming increasingly evident despite ongoing terror against Ukrainian civilians. In late April, two Russian National Guard soldiers disappeared in Nova Kakhovka, reportedly involved in looting. Soon after, 12 Russian soldiers deserted, escaping in civilian clothes.
**Desertion and Collapsing Morale**
As desertions increase, Bratchuk notes that this is becoming one of the clearest signs of the Russian army’s crumbling morale. “Desertion is a sign that the system has failed,” he adds.
In a separate incident, three victims remain in serious condition after missiles hit Kryvyi Rih infrastructure, damaging 15 apartment buildings and numerous civilian facilities.
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