Russian forces gear up for strategic push into Dnipropetrovsk
The Armed Forces of Ukraine have issued a warning about a planned "general offensive" by Russian forces targeting the Dnipropetrovsk region, as alerted by the 46th Independent Airmobile Brigade.
According to the announcement from the 46th Independent Airmobile Brigade, Russian forces are preparing for a comprehensive assault in the Novopavlivka direction with the aim of reaching the borders of the Dnipropetrovsk region. Achieving this would provide them with "operational space." Their goal is to prevent Ukrainian forces from establishing a defensive line deep within the region and to breach the final line of Ukrainian fortifications at the region's border.
The brigade's command reports that the Russians are "leveling" the front line near Avdiivka, signifying an intensification of combat activities south of the Donetsk-Zaporizhzhia road.
Preparations for defense
The Ukrainian armed forces have already begun preparations to repel a potential assault. Fortifications and defenses are being strengthened.
Russian assault actions in the south are currently taking place, although they are sporadic. The Ukrainian command assesses that progress in this direction is currently stalled, possibly indicating a wait for developments in the north.
Zelensky talks about territorial exchange
The potential loss of the Dnipropetrovsk region could be very costly for Kyiv. President Volodymyr Zelensky has proposed exchanging Russian territories under Ukrainian control for Ukrainian territories under Russian occupation.
Any territorial changes unfavorable to Ukraine could negatively impact such a potential exchange aimed at ending the war.
