Ukraine’s Risky River Gamble: Troops Cross Into Russian-Held Territory

Ukrainian forces may have already crossed the Zherebets River in eastern Ukraine, according to two independent mappers. The maps place Ukrainian troops on the river's eastern bank this week, including at Terny — a town Russia crossed into in 2024 and held until Ukraine's Operation Vivaldi pushed Russian forces back. The move, if confirmed, marks a risky gamble for Kyiv. Crossing the river places Ukrainian troops on the far side of a natural barrier, exposing them to potential Russian counterattacks.