Ukrainian forces have officially acknowledged that Russian military units have crossed into the eastern industrial region of Dnipropetrovsk, aiming to establish a foothold. Viktor Trehubov, representing the Dnipro Operational-Strategic Group of Troops, stated, This is the first attack of such a large scale in Dnipropetrovsk region, while assuring that their advance had been effectively halted.
Throughout the summer, Russia has insisted that its forces have gained ground in the region as part of a broader push from the Donetsk area into Ukrainian territory. Official reports from Moscow back in June indicated that an offensive had commenced in Dnipropetrovsk, although recent intelligence suggests minimal incursions have been made across the regional border.
The implications of a successful Russian advance into Dnipropetrovsk would severely impact Ukrainian morale, particularly as US-led diplomatic negotiations to cease hostilities seem to be stalling. Recent assessments indicated that Russian troops have reportedly occupied two villages within the region, Zaporizke and Novohryhorivka, though Ukrainian military officials deny these claims, asserting continued control over Zaporizke and indicating active combat continues near Novohryhorivka.
Moscow has not formally claimed Dnipropetrovsk as part of its territorial objectives, unlike other regions such as Donetsk. However, it has conducted assaults on major cities, including Dnipro—the regional capital. Before the war, Dnipropetrovsk had a population exceeding three million, serving as Ukraine's second-largest industrial center after the Donbas area.
Despite the slow and costly progress of Russian forces, there have been some notable advancements reported in Donetsk. A small infantry group was reported to have made a sudden push beyond Ukrainian defensive lines earlier this month, but subsequent reports suggest their progress has once again been obstructed. Meanwhile, the geopolitical dynamics surrounding the conflict remain fraught, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for intensified international support, while Western leaders caution against conceding territory to end the war.
