Russian Forces Claim First Territorial Gain in Dnipropetrovsk Amid Escalating Conflict

On Monday, the Russian military announced that it had captured its first village in Ukraine’s central Dnipropetrovsk region after enduring months of slow advancements towards the border. This development could deliver a psychological setback for Kyiv as both military and diplomatic pressures intensify.

This claim came on the heels of a new wave of drone and missile attacks from Moscow, which included assaults on Ukrainian military recruitment centers. These strikes form part of a growing offensive as ceasefire negotiations remain at an impasse.

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, Russian forces have secured the village of Dachne, located in the Dnipropetrovsk region, which has recently experienced a surge in Russian airstrikes due to its status as an important industrial and mining area.

In recent months, Russian forces have prioritized entering this region strategically, and any further territorial gains may pose logistical and economic challenges for Ukraine.

However, Kyiv refuted claims that Russian troops have established a presence in Dnipropetrovsk. On Monday, the Ukrainian military stated that its troops successfully «repelled» Russian assaults in the area, including those near Dachne.

Russia initially asserted in May that its troops had breached into Dnipropetrovsk, over three years after it began its comprehensive invasion.

It is important to note that Dnipropetrovsk is not among the five Ukrainian regions that Russia claims as part of its territory.