Always remember that Nova Kakhovka is the throat of Russian forces in Kherson region, which is even more important than Kherson city itself.
The Dneiper is a large river and not easy to ford. In Kherson area there are only two bridges across Dneiper: one in Kherson, which is easy to be destroyed; the other one in Nova Kakhovka, however, is built on a dam.
Neither side would dare to destory the Nova Kakhovka dam, especially the Russians, since the southern bank of Dneiper is LOWER than its northern bank, and blowing the dam up will only flood the Russians themselves.
With the 70 km range GMLRS soon to be deployed, Ukrainian Army will soon have the capability to destroy/disable the Dneiper bridge at Kherson. This will make Nova Kakhovka the nexus of all Russian forces north of Dniper.
Russians know the importance of Nova Kakhovka. On Feb 24, the Russian 31st Landing Assault Brigade launched an swift and elegant air assault to capture this undefended town. That was one major factor for the collapse of Ukr defense line in the south.
And this is the reason that both sides have now concentrate their efforts for Nova Kakhovka - the Ukr counteroffensive at Davydiv Brid has met stubborn Russian resistance that prevented the Ukrainians from exploiting the initial breakthrough.
Now, Nova Kakhovka was hit. Whether it was from Ukr artillery, missiles or saboteurs, it will make the Russian 49th Army and 22nd Army Corps seriously considering the security of its only reliable line of communications and possible retreat route. /End
Correction: the 11th Landing Assault Brigade, not the 31st.
Loading suggestions...