Russia Claims First Foothold in Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk Amid Continued Attacks

Russia claimed it captured the village of Dachne in Ukraine's central Dnipropetrovsk region, marking its first reported foothold in the area after months of fighting near the border. The capture announcement followed a large-scale Russian missile and drone barrage targeting Ukrainian army recruitment centers and cities, which Ukraine said were attempts to disrupt its military mobilization. Ukrainian forces have denied the establishment of a Russian foothold in Dachne, with reports of ongoing fighting and Ukrainian troops repelling attacks in the vicinity. The Dnipropetrovsk region, an important industrial and mining hub, has been under persistent Russian airstrikes, and deeper Russian advances there could severely impact Ukraine’s economy and supply routes. This escalation coincides with stalled U.S.-led ceasefire talks, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on allies to increase air defense support amid the intensified attacks. The situation remains fluid, with continued evacuations and casualties reported across several Ukrainian regions due to the ongoing Russian strikes.