Russia has entered Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk region for the first time since the war began, Ukrainian officials confirmed this week. The move marks an escalation in Russia’s efforts to expand control in eastern Ukraine.
Ukrainian forces say the attack was large-scale, but the advance has been contained. Viktor Trehubov, from Ukraine’s Dnipro Operational-Strategic Group, said this was the first such offensive by Russia in the area. He confirmed that troops halted the Russian push before it could gain a solid foothold.
Russia has long focused its attacks on neighboring Donetsk and recently launched an offensive from that direction. Ukrainian sources reported earlier that these attempts brought limited success. Still, the latest operation raises concerns over Russia’s wider war strategy.
Two small villages—Zaporizke and Novohryhorivka—have become the focus of heavy fighting. A Ukrainian mapping project reported that Russian troops entered both. However, Ukraine’s military denied losing control of Zaporizke. They said battles are still ongoing near Novohryhorivka.
Dnipropetrovsk is Ukraine’s second-largest industrial hub after Donbas. The region held more than three million people before the war. Russia may see it as a key target due to its industrial value and location.
Russia’s latest advance comes as peace talks lose momentum. Former U.S. President Donald Trump met both Putin and Zelensky in separate visits this year. Despite these efforts, a summit appears unlikely. Russia’s foreign minister said no peace agenda is ready.
European leaders remain cautious. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned against any peace deal that gives territory to Russia. She said such moves risk rewarding aggression.
Ukraine is strengthening its position with support from Western allies. The UK and Germany have pledged long-term military backing. Ukraine also eased travel restrictions for men aged 18–22 to ensure future military flexibility.
Russia’s latest actions show the war is entering a new and dangerous phase.
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