**Russia Pushes Forward, Ukraine Denies: What’s Happening in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast?**
In a recent development, Moscow has claimed that its troops have crossed into Dnipropetrovsk Oblast and are conducting offensive operations in the region. However, Kyiv quickly denied this as “Russian disinformation.” But what does it mean for Ukraine and Russia’s ongoing conflict?
**Russia’s Southern Push**
For months, Russian troops have been pushing toward Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, trying to solidify the southern flank and capture key cities like Pokrovsk. Western military experts had predicted that Russian troops would eventually penetrate this southeastern region, but they didn’t expect a significant amount of forces to be deployed here. The main objective remains the capture of Donetsk Oblast.
**Geolocation Confirms Russian Presence**
Emil Kastehelmi, an analyst at the Finland-based Black Bird Group, confirmed that geolocation shows Russian troops entered Dnipropetrovsk Oblast in recent days. He believes that Russian troops will likely advance “at least somewhat” deeper into the region in the coming months, but it won’t change the overall dynamic of the front line.
**Russia’s Strategy: Encircling Pokrovsk**
Kastehelmi thinks that Russian troops could try advancing northwest from the southern flank of Pokrovsk to encircle the city, which is already penetrated from the southern and eastern sides. “The Russians probably have understood that if they want to make a proper encirclement threat, they need to widen the flanks and then continue operations near Pokrovsk,” he said.
**Ukrainian Military Denies Russian Claims**
The Ukrainian military immediately denied Russia’s claims, saying that fighting continued inside Donetsk Oblast. The Ukrainian monitoring project DeepState put the proximity of Russian troops to the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast border at about two kilometers, but painting this distance as “no man’s land.”
**Implications and Analysis**
Even if militarily not as significant, the Russian penetration into Dnipropetrovsk Oblast means that another Ukrainian region would now be a war zone. This could strengthen Russia’s negotiation position as the U.S. pushes both sides to hold peace talks.
Military analysts agree that it would be an operational success for Moscow if it expands its flank westward toward Dnipropetrovsk Oblast and then begins attacking northward, while also building on the eastern flank. However, they stress that Russian troops have not been the best at coordinating attacks, even if it looks “doable” on paper.
**Conclusion**
The situation in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast is fluid and uncertain. While Russia’s claims of penetrating this region are disputed by Ukraine, it’s clear that both sides are engaged in a high-stakes game of military strategy and negotiation. Only time will tell what the consequences will be for Ukraine and Russia.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com
