Russia Claims Advance, Ukraine Denies, Zarya Captured

Russia claims that its 90th Tank Regiment has entered Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region from Donetsk, though Ukrainian officials deny this and assert fighting remains contained within Donetsk. The Dnipropetrovsk region is strategically significant due to its population and logistical value, with the city of Dnipro still over 140 kilometers from Russian lines and protected by natural barriers. Moscow's claim, regarded as a symbolic milestone, cannot be independently verified amid ongoing heavy fighting, and Ukrainian commanders say it does not change battlefield dynamics. The development follows Russia's recent capture of the town of Zarya in Donetsk. Negotiations continue over a major prisoner swap, expected to proceed soon, as Russia maintains maximalist demands at the bargaining table. The situation underscores persistent Russian attempts to expand the conflict while Ukraine denies any breakthrough beyond Donetsk.