UK Defence Intelligence explains what change of Russian commander on Kherson front means

The change of the commander of Russia’s Dnieper (Dnipro) Grouping of Forces on the Kherson front indicates increased pressure on the Russian forces holding this territory, the UK Defence Ministry believes.

Source: European Pravda, citing UK Defence Intelligence update on 31 October

Details: Russian state-owned media report that Colonel General Mikhail Teplinsky, the deputy commander of the Russian forces in Ukraine, has likely personally taken command of Russia’s Dnieper (Dnipro) Grouping of Forces. This group is responsible for the occupied areas of Kherson Oblast, including the eastern bank of the Dnipro River.

Fighting has intensified in the area in recent weeks as Ukrainian forces try to regain control of the Russian-controlled eastern bank of the river.

Teplinsky is likely to be highly respected in the Russian General Staff and has experience commanding operations in the area, the UK analysts said. He was the officer on the ground responsible for the relatively successful withdrawal of Russian troops from the western bank of the Dnipro River in November 2022.

Repelling Ukrainian attacks in the Dnipro area and maintaining territory in occupied Kherson Oblast remains a priority task for Russian troops in Ukraine, the review says.

The appointment of Teplinsky likely indicates increased pressure on the Russian forces defending this territory.

Background:

• The UK Ministry of Defence analysed the situation in the lower Dnipro River, pointing out that Russian artillery had retained significant potential in the area.
• In September, the UK Ministry of Defence reported that Russia likely reinforced the 58th Combined Arms Army on the Orikhiv front in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, which had suffered heavy losses, with additional units from Russian Airborne Forces.

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