Photo: Yevhen Maloletka/AP
For the first time since the start of the full-scale invasion, the Russian army has announced the launch of an offensive in the Dnipro region. This was reported by Russian state media with reference to a statement by the Russian Ministry of Defence. The statement says that units of the 90th Tank Division “have reached the western border of the DPR and continue their offensive in the Dnipro region”.
Thus, Moscow has officially confirmed its attempt to advance deeper into central and eastern Ukraine – beyond the borders of Donetsk region. In addition, the Russian army announced the capture of the village of Zarya in Donetsk region.
This statement has both symbolic and potentially strategic significance, especially against the backdrop of Washington’s efforts to resolve the conflict diplomatically. The withdrawal of Russian troops from the previously occupied territories could be used by the Kremlin as an element of pressure in the negotiations.
The Ukrainian authorities have not yet confirmed the Russian claim of an offensive in the Dnipro region. However, in the morning, the head of the regional council, Mykola Lukashuk, reported a missile attack on the Mezhivska community in the Synelnykivskyi district. One person was killed as a result of a guided missile strike. Combined attacks on the Nikopol area involving drones, artillery and Grad multiple rocket launchers were also reported. At least four houses were damaged, and power lines were damaged.
The Institute for the Study of War suggested in its latest policy brief that Russia is continuing its efforts to establish control over the entire Donetsk region and is likely considering expanding its offensive towards the Dnipro region. While it is difficult to speak of large-scale changes on the frontline, the symbolism of the Kremlin’s statement is clear: Dnipropetrovska oblast remains an important humanitarian, logistical and industrial pillar of Ukraine, home to more than three million people before the war, and Dnipro itself is one of the main centres of the Ukrainian rear.
