Dnipro Islands become a naval battleground between Russians and Ukrainians.

According to information published by the UK MoD on September 19, 2023, in the first half of the month, the islands in the lower Dnipro within Kherson Oblast have become hotspots of continuous heavy fighting, establishing them as the new front line.
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Russian Raptor class patrol boat. (Picture source: Mil.in.ua)

Frequent raids have been reported by both factions, deploying teams in small boats targeting the islands as well as the opposing riverbanks. Analysts point towards the potential energization of Russian operations in this region, especially since the area recently came under the oversight of the newly formed 40th Army Corps.

While the number of troops in this particular area may seem modest in comparison to other battlefronts, the strategic importance of the location is not lost on either side.

The skirmishes in this region offer a tactical advantage, potentially diverting attention and forces from the high-intensity battles occurring in Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk oblasts.

On January 10, 2023, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense reported that the Ukrainian Defense Forces targeted what they believe to be a Russian Raptor-class patrol boat near the Dnipro River island Bilohrudiv.

This particular type of vessel, formally catalogued as Project 03160, represents a series of Russian high-speed coastal patrol boats with advanced capabilities.

During the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, at least five Raptor-class patrol boats were recorded as destroyed or damaged. Designed for patrolling, search and rescue, troop transfer in coastal zones, and even acting as part of larger amphibious assault ships, these boats are equipped with advanced armor and bullet-resistant glass.

Their design allows for quick troop disembarkation and they boast powerful American-made Caterpillar engines coupled with English "Rolls-Royce" Kamewa jet propellers.