In a significant development, Ukrainian troops successfully repelled a series of attacks by Russian forces positioned on the east bank of the Dnieper River. The Ukrainian military claimed to have secured multiple bridgeheads on the Russian-held bank, marking a small but strategically important advance for Ukraine's partially occupied Kherson region.

The General Staff of Ukraine's armed forces confirmed that its troops had repelled 12 attacks initiated by the Russian army over a span of two days. The Ukrainian soldiers are now focused on pushing back Russian army units as far as possible to provide relief for the western bank of the Kherson region, reducing the frequency of shelling in the area, according to Natalia Humeniuk, spokesperson for Ukraine's Southern Operational Command.

In response to Ukraine's progress, the Russian military employed "tactical aviation," including Iranian-made Shahed exploding drones, in an attempt to pin down Ukrainian troops. However, Ukrainian air defenses successfully intercepted and shot down 29 out of 38 Shahed drones launched against Ukraine. Unfortunately, one of the drones managed to hit an energy infrastructure facility in the southern Odesa region, resulting in a power outage for around 2,000 homes.

The Dnieper River acts as a natural dividing line along the southern battlefront. Since their withdrawal from the city of Kherson a year ago, Russian forces have regularly targeted and shelled communities on the Ukrainian-held side of the river, aiming to impede any advances towards Russia-annexed Crimea.

Meanwhile, in the capital city of Kyiv, hundreds of citizens gathered to protest against corruption and demand the reallocation of public funds to support the armed forces. This demonstration marked the tenth in a series of protests, reflecting the growing frustration over municipal projects and the need for more resources for the military.

Maria Barbash, an activist with the organization Money for the Armed Forces, emphasized that the budget should prioritize the army. She stated, "The first priority of our budget - local budgets and the central budget - should be the army."

As Ukraine's troops continue their efforts to push back Russian forces, this recent advancement on the east bank of the Dnieper River signifies a noteworthy development in the ongoing conflict. The Ukrainian military's successful defense against Russian attacks and their commitment to the safety and security of their nation is poised to shape the future of this protracted conflict.