Introduction
Recent developments have seen Russia making significant territorial gains in eastern Ukraine, particularly in the Dnipropetrovsk region, amidst ongoing tensions and disputes over peace negotiations with Kyiv.Context
As discussions surrounding peace intensify, the conflict appears to escalate further. Russian forces have increased their territorial control in Ukraine, now possessing nearly 20% of the country’s land. Ukraine, meanwhile, has responded with high-profile drone strikes targeting Russia’s nuclear-capable bomber fleet and other critical infrastructure.Developments
Russian forces have reportedly advanced into the Dnipropetrovsk area, attacking from the eastern Donetsk region. Reports indicate that the 90th Tank Division has made significant strides, capturing over 190 square kilometers in the eastern Sumy region in under a month. Prior to the conflict, Dnipropetrovsk had a population exceeding 3 million.In a controversial narrative, Russia claims that Ukraine has been engaged in the swap of prisoners of war and is involved in handling the remains of approximately 12,000 deceased soldiers. However, Ukrainian officials have denied these assertions, with the Russian government announcing its movement of bodies towards the border.
U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed a desire to resolve the conflict, likening it to a childish dispute while suggesting that he may allow the situation to unfold naturally. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Ukrainian leaders of lacking genuine interest in peace and blamed them for a bombing in Bryansk that resulted in casualties just before peace talks in Turkey.
The Kremlin demands international recognition of Crimea and other territories Moscow claims, a condition which would require Ukraine to withdraw its forces from these regions. As of June 7, Russian control extended over 113,273 square kilometers, matching 18.8% of Ukraine's land, an area larger than Virginia.
Key regions under Russian control include Crimea, more than 99% of the Luhansk region, and over 70% of the Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions, plus portions of Kharkiv and Sumy in the northeast.
In recent military actions, Russia has targeted cities in northeastern Ukraine with drone strikes and missile attacks, resulting in multiple casualties. Local officials reported at least four fatalities and over 60 injuries, including a baby, following these strikes. Additionally, Russian forces claimed to have downed 61 Ukrainian drones in a single night.