Ukraine ‘conducting raids’ across Dnipro river to dislodge Russian troops ahead of expected offensive

Raids come as UK intelligence suggests Russia is scaling back its attacks to prepare for a fresh Ukrainian assault

Ukrainian soldiers prepare to fire at Russian positions in Kherson region (AP)

Ukrainian forces are frequently carrying out raids across the River Dnipro near the southern city of Kherson to try to dislodge Russian troops, an official has said.

Russian forces have held the eastern side of the Dnipro near Kherson since retreating from the city in November after months of occupation, but Ukraine is expected to launch a spring counteroffensive to try to recapture more territory.

Yuriy Sobolevskiy, deputy head of the Kherson regional administration, said the raids were intended to reduce the combat capability of Russian troops who have been shelling Kherson city since being forced to retreat. “Our military visit the left [eastern] bank very often, conducting raids. The Ukrainian armed forces are working, and working very effectively,” Mr Sobolevskiy told Ukrainian television.