Russian troops have advanced into Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk region for the first time since the start of the war, marking a serious escalation in the conflict. Ukraine’s military confirmed the incursion on August 26 but stressed that heavy fighting is ongoing and that Moscow has not taken full control of the area.
According to Ukrainian officials and battlefield monitoring groups, Russian forces entered villages near the border zone, including Zaporizke and Novoheorhiivka, where they are attempting to fortify new positions. Analysts warn that this advance is particularly significant because Dnipropetrovsk had previously remained outside Russia’s claimed or annexed territories. The region includes the industrial hub of Dnipro, a city that has been a key supply center for Ukraine’s war effort.
The new offensive comes after months of steady Russian gains in Donetsk and other occupied areas. Military experts say the push into Dnipropetrovsk may be part of a wider strategy to pressure Ukraine’s central regions, increase leverage in future negotiations, and cut off supply routes critical to defending the east.
Ukraine insists that its forces are putting up fierce resistance and are determined to hold the line. Officials also appealed for continued international backing, stressing the importance of air defense and long range weapons as Russia intensifies its campaign.
The move highlights the fluid and dangerous state of the battlefield as the war enters another critical stage. With Russian troops now pressing into new territory and Ukraine vowing to defend its heartland, the fighting in Dnipropetrovsk could shape the next chapter of the conflict.
