In brief
A team of Times journalists gained unique access to witness and report on the heroic efforts of Ukrainian soldiers in the southern Kherson region as they engage in perilous crossings of the Dnipro River.
In the dim light of a nighttime operation, a group of Ukrainian infantrymen meticulously studied a map within a makeshift command post. As they prepared to execute one of their most dangerous missions to date, Deputy Company Commander Vyshyty briefed them on the nuances of their impending task across the Dnipro River.The 126th Brigade of the Territorial Defense Forces, considered some of Ukraine's elite, has been bolstered by training from British special operations. Over the past two years, they have become astute at executing cross-river operations alongside marine brigades and intelligence units against entrenched Russian adversaries in Kherson’s contested landscape.During a period of several weeks in spring, the brigade's soldiers provided reporters a rare glimpse into their missions, recounting previous operations and allowing for firsthand observation of their tactical prowess. Due to operational security, some sensitive details were withheld and soldiers were identified solely by first names or designations.During those weeks, the brigade began ferrying their small boats to the water's edge, preparing for their intricate maneuvers along the Dnipro. Their commitment to protecting their land while minimizing casualties underscores the fierce determination that has characterized their fight throughout the ongoing war.The battlefield, fraught with peril, showcases acts of bravery and camaraderie. For these soldiers, the night is not merely a cover; it is their ally as they navigate a maze of danger for their country’s sovereignty. Each deployment becomes a testament to their endurance amidst the daily tribulations of warfare.
