Key things to watch around Kherson and Mykolaiv
Explore why Kherson and Mykolaiv are pivotal to Ukraine’s war effort—where rivers, bridges, and canals shape strategy, supply lines, and national survival.
Key things to watch around Kherson and Mykolaiv
· Can Ukraine expel the Russian forces from the West bank of Dnieper River and liberate Kherson?
· Can Russia hold Kherson and capture Mykolaiv?
Before answering these questions, let’s do a quick review of the geography and why this portion of Ukraine is of great strategic interest.
The City of Kherson is situated on the delta of the Dnieper River. The Dnieper River is a wide and an important navigable waterway where barges can operate and provide an energy efficient way to ship goods such as grains. Moreover, there are only two bridges in the Kherson region to cross Dnieper River. The Dnieper River can make for a defendable and natural border. Another critical aspect of the Kherson region is the North Crimea Canal which provides vital fresh water to Crimea. In short, the Kherson region is important for geographic, economic, and strategic reason.
The City of Mykolaiv is located near the mouth of Southern Buh River and the Inhul River. The Southern Buh River is very wide and has only one key bridge in the City of Mykolaiv and the nearest crossing is roughly 77 kilometers/48 miles to the North. In brief, the City Mykolaiv is also a great prize.
What would be the significance of Ukraine liberating the city of Kherson and the West bank?
The liberation of Kherson and expelling the Russian forces from the West bank of the Dnieper River would be a tremendous strategic victory for Ukraine. For Ukraine to thrive as a nation, it must hold on to Odessa, Mykolaiv, and Kherson at all cost. With Ukraine fully secured on the West bank of Dnieper River, Ukrainian forces would be in a stronger position to concentrate on liberating the rest of Ukraine.
What would be the significance of Russia holding Kherson and capturing Mykolaiv?
The capture of Mykolaiv would be disastrous for Ukraine. Russian forces would be in a stronger position to attempt seizing Odessa the jewel of the Black Sea, pushing North toward the Dnipropetrovsk region, or seizing more land in the East.
A lot to watch in Kherson and Mykolaiv…
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely my own and do not reflect those of any public agency, employer, or affiliated organization. This blog aims to educate and empower readers through objective geographic and planning insights, fostering informed discussion on global and regional issues.