Ukrainian Forces Confirm Russian Advances into Dnipropetrovsk Region

Tue Sep 16 2025 23:38:52 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Ukraine's military acknowledges Russia's entry into Dnipropetrovsk, marking one of the largest attacks in the region since the war began.

Ukrainian forces have admitted that Russian troops have crossed into the Dnipropetrovsk region, indicating a significant escalation in the conflict. This has raised concerns over the impact on Ukrainian morale and the ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the war, with calls for security guarantees from Western allies amidst fluctuating frontline dynamics.

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.

Throughout the summer, Russia has claimed it has entered the area, as its forces attempt to deepen their penetration into Ukrainian territory from the Donetsk region.

Early June marked the start of Russian officials declaring an offensive in Dnipropetrovsk, but recent Ukrainian reports suggest they have made only minor incursions across the regional border.

Any Russian advance into Dnipropetrovsk would likely deal a blow to Ukrainian morale, especially as a US-led diplomatic effort aimed at ending the conflict appears to be stagnating. Recent reports indicate that Russia has occupied two villages, Zaporizke and Novohryhorivka, although Ukraine’s military denies this, asserting it still controls Zaporizke and that active hostilities continue around Novohryhorivka.

While Moscow has not claimed Dnipropetrovsk like it has with Donetsk and four other eastern regions, it has been targeting significant cities, including the regional capital Dnipro. An overnight strike also hit the energy sector in the neighboring Poltava region.

Dnipropetrovsk, once home to over three million people and a vital industrial hub, now faces threats amid the conflict, as Russian forces continue a slow but gradual advance, despite suffering high casualties.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged Western allies to enhance security guarantees in light of a potential peace deal, meeting with key military and political leaders to strengthen Ukraine's defensive posture.

Overall, the dynamics on the ground remain fluid, with ongoing military engagements and a backdrop of international diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the conflict.