Russian forces have reportedly approached the administrative border of Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, raising concerns over a possible advance westward. Moscow claims its troops have entered the area, while Ukrainian military officials deny any such incursion has occurred.
In recent days, the Russian Ministry of Defense released videos suggesting that its units have crossed into the region, though verification remains limited. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov described the ongoing offensive as an effort to establish a buffer zone with the Donetsk region, where fighting has intensified.
Despite bordering the self-declared Donetsk People’s Republic, Dnipropetrovsk had largely avoided ground combat, though it has faced regular missile strikes. The area has served as a logistical hub and a rear base, hosting internally displaced civilians and supporting Ukrainian military units rotating from the front. Its relative stability had made it a key staging area for rest, resupply, and medical care.
If confirmed, a Russian crossing into the Dnipro’s region would make it the seventh Ukrainian oblast with a documented Russian military presence
Despite holding current lines, the Ukrainian military faces challenges, including fatigue from extended front-line rotations and personnel shortages. Some troops are reportedly refusing to return from leave, citing exhaustion.