Russian troops report securing their initial stronghold in a newly targeted Ukrainian region.

Russia Claims First Village in Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk Region

Russia announced on Monday that its forces had captured their first village in Ukraine’s central Dnipropetrovsk region, signaling a psychological blow to Kyiv as concerns grow over the war’s progression.

The Russian defense ministry said troops had seized control of Dachne, an industrial mining area that has recently endured intensified airstrikes. This development follows months of Moscow advancing toward the region’s border, which analysts believe could bring significant logistical and economic challenges for Ukraine if Russia pushes deeper.

Kyiv Denies Russian Advances

Despite Moscow’s claim, Ukrainian officials denied any Russian foothold in Dnipropetrovsk. Earlier in the day, Ukraine’s military reported that its forces had successfully “repelled” attacks in the region, including near Dachne.

Dnipropetrovsk is not among the five regions — Donetsk, Kherson, Lugansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Crimea — that Russia has previously declared as annexed territory. However, Russian forces have intensified efforts to expand beyond their current positions, raising alarm in Kyiv.

Escalating Strikes Across Ukraine

Ahead of the announcement, Russia launched a large-scale drone and missile offensive, targeting Ukrainian army recruitment centers in a wave of escalating attacks. The Ukrainian air force reported that Moscow deployed 101 drones and four missiles nationwide, with 75 drones successfully intercepted.

In Kharkiv, an AFP reporter observed civilians evacuating damaged residential buildings and seeking refuge in basements with pets. At least four people were reported dead and dozens injured across Ukraine, particularly in Kharkiv and during a late-morning attack on Zaporizhzhia.

“These strikes are part of a comprehensive enemy operation aimed at disrupting mobilization in Ukraine,” wrote Ukraine’s Centre for Strategic Communications, noting similar attacks in other cities in recent days.

Zelensky Urges Stronger Air Defense Support

President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the urgent need for air defense systems to protect civilians. “Air defense remains the top priority for saving lives,” he said on social media, while calling on international partners to fulfill their military aid commitments.

Russia Faces Drone Strikes

In a parallel escalation, Russia reported that it had intercepted 91 Ukrainian drones overnight, including eight near Moscow and many others in border regions.

As both nations continue their offensives, the conflict shows no sign of de-escalation, with each side intensifying efforts to weaken the other’s strategic positions.