KHERSON, Ukraine - The Ukrainian Marine Corps is engaged in a grueling battle on the east bank of the Dnieper River in an attempt to regain territory from Russian troops. However, soldiers and marines involved in the offensive have described it as brutalizing and futile, with high casualties and intense shelling hindering progress.

The offensive in the southern region of Kherson has been ongoing for two months, as Ukraine's counteroffensive aims to breach Russian defenses in the south and turn the tide of the war. Unfortunately, waves of Ukrainian troops have been struck down on the river banks or in the water even before reaching the other side.

The accounts provided by soldiers and marines paint a grim picture of the situation. They spoke anonymously due to security concerns and expressed frustration at what they perceive as overly optimistic reports from officials about the progress of the offensive.

Footage from a drone verified the soldiers' claims of heavy Russian airstrikes in the village of Krynky, destroying houses and turning the river bank into a treacherous landscape of mud and splintered trees. The location, seized by Ukrainian troops, is the only toehold they have managed to establish on the east bank.

The challenging conditions on the east bank have also made it difficult to retrieve the bodies of fallen marines. Some have been lying there for as long as two months due to the intense shelling, creating a distressing environment for those fighting on the frontlines.

The Ukrainian General Staff of the Armed Forces has not yet responded to the soldiers' accusations but promised to provide a response in due course.

The cross-river offensive holds significant importance for Ukraine, as its counteroffensive has been stalling and international support, including aid from the United States and the European Union, might be reduced. The hope is that a breakthrough deep enough to threaten Russia's supply routes and its hold in the south can be achieved. To fulfill this task, the Marine Corps, which has been rebuilt to full strength this year, was assigned the mission.

However, soldiers and marines deployed to the area dispute the optimistic accounts given by officials. They reveal that there are no established positions on the east bank, making it impossible to gain a foothold or move equipment effectively. They describe the operation as more of a suicide mission than a fight for survival.

The harsh conditions and lack of preparation and logistics from Ukrainian commanders have taken a toll on morale and support among the troops. Some soldiers have criticized the poor evacuation of the wounded due to a lack of boats, further worsening the situation.

The situation is not one-sided, as Russian troops have also faced heavy losses. Russian artillery, rockets, and drones have been targeted by Ukrainian artillery and drone units along the river's western bank, resulting in retaliatory strikes and devastating bombings.

Drones have played a critical role in the fight, providing reconnaissance, guiding artillery, and increasingly targeting Russian troops and equipment with explosives. They have become a cost-effective alternative to expensive artillery shells, which are in short supply.

Despite the challenges faced by the Marine Corps, Ukrainian forces continue their efforts to draw in and neutralize Russian troops. The ability to expand and liberate the east bank is seen as crucial in disrupting Russian supply routes into Crimea.

As Ukraine's cross-river offensive faces significant obstacles, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's attempts to rally support in the European Union and the United States have been rebuffed, raising concerns about the future of aid for Ukraine.

The ongoing battle along the Dnieper River remains a potent symbol of the larger conflict between Ukraine and Russia, where both sides endure heavy casualties and fierce resistance. The hope for a breakthrough and territorial gains remains, but the price paid in human lives and the toll on soldiers' morale cannot be ignored.