Ukraine's flag flies on key spit after four years

For the first time since the spring of 2022, the Ukrainian flag is flying on the strategically vital Kinburn Spit, a development confirmed by the Ukrainian navy. This marks a significant shift in control over the territory, which lies in Ukraine's Mykolaiv Oblast but is accessible by land only through the Russian-occupied Kherson region.

Reports from the Crimean-based partisan movement Atesh, citing a spy within the Russian army, indicated that Russian forces had abandoned positions on the western and northern parts of the spit. These positions were reportedly heavily targeted by Ukrainian drones, and the Russian troops lacked adequate protective equipment. Dmytro Pletentjuk, a spokesperson for the Ukrainian navy, stated that the flag's presence signifies Russia's withdrawal from certain positions, though he cautioned that it is premature to declare a complete Russian retreat from the territory.

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Yes, they (Russia's troops) had to abandon some of their positions, but it is still too early to say that the enemy has completely withdrawn from the territory.

The Kinburn Spit has long served as the westernmost point controlled by Russian forces, enabling them to shell the Ukrainian coastal city of Otchakov, located just four kilometers north. It also provided intelligence gathering capabilities in Ukraine's southern regions. However, Ukraine's extensive drone attacks from both the air and the Black Sea have significantly hampered Russia's ability to transport supplies to Crimea and Kherson.

Despite the symbolic reclaiming of the spit, Ukraine's defense forces do not currently plan a full-scale offensive to occupy the area. Pletentjuk explained that territory is not considered liberated until infantry, specifically marines in this case, set foot on it. Transporting soldiers and equipment to the spit would primarily need to occur via water, making such operations vulnerable to Russian attacks. Furthermore, once on the spit, Ukrainian forces could face attacks from the Black Sea. Control of the spit could offer Ukraine further opportunities to disrupt Russian logistics and open another avenue for attacks on Kherson, but the risks associated with establishing a military presence remain substantial.

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A territory is not considered liberated until an infantryman sets foot there. In our case, a marine.