Russia Launches Offensive in Dnipropetrovsk, Eastern Ukraine

Russian forces have launched an offensive into Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region for the first time since the full-scale invasion began in 2022, marking a significant territorial escalation amid stalled peace talks. The advance includes tank units reaching the western border of the Donetsk People's Republic and further incursions in Donetsk and Sumy regions, capturing territory and a village named Zarya. The move is both symbolic and strategic, threatening a vital industrial and mining hub of Ukraine and potentially impacting Kyiv's military and economy. Ukrainian cities such as Kharkiv have been heavily bombarded with missiles, drones, and guided bombs, causing civilian casualties and widespread damage. Both Moscow and Kyiv continue to blame each other for disrupting prisoner exchanges, complicating peace negotiations, while international figures including President Trump express concern over the severe implications of the ongoing conflict. Despite calls for ceasefire and peace, Russia demands Kyiv retract frontline troops, cease Western arms support, and recognize annexed territories, demands Kyiv refuses to accept.