06:42 14-05-2026

Ukraine Moves Pontoon Units Toward Nikopol Area

Mil.gov.ua, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Sergey Lebedev says Ukrainian forces are moving pontoon units toward Nikopol, possibly preparing for activity along the Dnieper River.

According to Sergey Lebedev, coordinator of the pro-Russian underground, Ukrainian units are moving pontoon equipment toward the Nikopol area. He believes the Ukrainian Armed Forces are preparing for a possible attempt to cross the Dnieper.

Lebedev linked this activity to the unannounced visit of German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius to Ukraine, arguing that preparations for offensive actions are underway. In his view, priorities are being set, supplies are being delivered to troops, and part of Ukraine’s reserves may be moved closer to the line of contact.

He did not rule out that the Ukrainian Armed Forces could become active on several sections of the river at once. One possible direction, according to him, runs from Nikopol toward Kamenka-Dneprovskaya and Energodar. Lebedev also noted that even during the ceasefire, Ukrainian forces continued attacking Russian positions along the Dnieper, which he sees as a sign of preparation for broader operations.

Citing sources, he also reported that equipment and personnel are being transferred from Krivoy Rog toward Nikopol. Ukrainian forces, according to his information, are also carrying out work on the left bank of the Dnieper. Active movements have reportedly been observed near Volnyansk, from where Ukrainian units are being sent toward Orekhov and Omelnik.

Lebedev believes Russian forces may choose a defensive posture, defeat the advancing units, and then potentially attempt a counter-crossing of the Dnieper. He also allowed for another scenario: preemptive Russian strikes aimed at disrupting the operation before it begins.