Russia Claims New Village Captures in Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk Regions

Russian forces have accelerated their advance in Ukraine's central Dnipropetrovsk region, recently seizing the village of Sichneve and claiming control over other nearby settlements, marking a significant push into this key industrial area. This marks the first time since Russia's 2022 offensive that it claims territory in Dnipropetrovsk, which is not among the five Ukrainian regions Moscow has declared as Russian territory. Ukrainian officials continue to deny any Russian presence in the region and have ruled out Moscow's demand for formal recognition of these territories as part of Russia. Meanwhile, Russian troops are also making gradual progress in the Donetsk region, capturing the village of Popiv Yar and advancing near several other settlements, with reports indicating Russian forces seized 564 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory in July. These military developments occur as U.S. President Donald Trump's deadline for Moscow to make progress towards peace approaches, with Russian President Vladimir Putin stating a desire for lasting peace but maintaining Moscow's existing conditions. Despite ongoing negotiations, no breakthrough has been achieved, and Ukrainian forces face challenges repelling the fresh Russian offensives.