Ukrainian forces have admitted that Russia's military have crossed into the eastern industrial region of Dnipropetrovsk and are 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 stated an offensive had begun in Dnipropetrovsk, however, the latest Ukrainian reports suggest they have barely breached the regional border.
Any Russian encroachment into Dnipropetrovsk would be a significant blow to Ukrainian morale, especially as US-led diplomatic efforts to end the conflict appear to be stalling amid uncertain promises from both sides.
Meanwhile, the Ukrainian DeepState mapping project assessed that Russia had occupied two villages within the region. However, Ukraine's armed forces disputed these claims, affirming they continued to control Zaporizke and that hostilities around Novohryhorivka persist.
Although Moscow has not yet laid claim to Dnipropetrovsk unlike other eastern regions, it has targeted significant cities, including Dnipro, as part of its ongoing military efforts.
The conflict continues with high stakes as reports suggest President Trump is facilitating dialogue between Putin and President Zelensky, yet progress for peace remains uncertain as both parties uphold hardline positions.
