In brief
Ukrainian forces have confirmed that Russia has made significant advances into the Dnipropetrovsk region, marking the largest Russian assault there since the conflict intensified. Key military personnel indicate that Russia's intentions appear aimed at establishing a foothold in this industrial province, potentially undermining Ukrainian morale amidst diplomatic efforts to negotiate peace.
Ukrainian forces have acknowledged that Russia's military has crossed into the eastern industrial region of Dnipropetrovsk and is trying to establish a foothold.
This is the first attack of such a large scale in Dnipropetrovsk region, Viktor Trehubov, of the Dnipro Operational-Strategic Group of Troops told the BBC, although he made clear their advance had been stopped.
Russia has claimed throughout the summer that it has entered the area, as its forces try to push deeper into Ukrainian territory from the Donetsk region. In early June, Russian officials said an offensive had begun in Dnipropetrovsk, although the latest Ukrainian reports suggest they have barely breached the regional border.
Any Russian advance into Dnipropetrovsk would be a blow to Ukrainian morale, as a US-led diplomatic bid to bring the war to an end appears to be flagging despite President Donald Trump meeting Russia's Vladimir Putin in Alaska.
The Ukrainian DeepState mapping project assessed on Tuesday that Russia had now occupied two villages just inside the region, Zaporizke and Novohryhorivka. However, Ukraine's armed forces general staff denied that was the case, asserting control over Zaporizke.
Moscow has not laid claim to Dnipropetrovsk but has intensified attacks on significant cities like Dnipro. Recent strikes have also targeted the energy sector in the neighbouring Poltava region.
Before the war, Dnipropetrovsk had a population of over three million and was Ukraine's second biggest center of heavy industry.
The situation remains volatile as both sides prepare for the continuing struggle over this strategically important region.
