**Ukrainian Military Denies Reports of Russian Troop Entry into Dnipropetrovsk Oblast**
The Ukrainian military has denied the latest reports that Russian troops had entered Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, a major industrial region in central Ukraine. Despite claims by Kremlin propagandists on Telegram that Russian forces had captured the village of Dachne, spokespeople for two Ukrainian brigades and the Khortytsia group of forces have denied these allegations.
According to Viktor Tregubov, spokesperson for Ukraine’s Khortytsia group of forces, there are “very active battles” in the villages near the administrative border of the region. However, he assured that Russian troops had not entered Dnipropetrovsk Oblast as of June 30th. The press service of the 3rd brigade of the National Guard also denied the information about a breakthrough.
Nazar Voitenkov, spokesperson for the 33rd Separate Mechanized Brigade, based in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, said that the Russian army had made no advances into Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. “We are holding the defense line,” he stated. “The line is constantly changing, but the enemy has not broken through.”
**Russian Offensive Continues**
Despite these denials, Russian troops continue their offensive in Donetsk Oblast, pushing closer to Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. In mid-June, Ukraine’s military also denied reports that Russian troops had entered the region, with President Volodymyr Zelensky saying that Ukrainian troops had intercepted Russian reconnaissance units attempting to breach Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
**Regional Tensions Rise**
The recent deterioration in Russian-Azerbaijani relations has added to regional tensions. Over 50 people of Azerbaijani origin were detained as part of a murder investigation in Yekaterinburg on June 27, leading Azerbaijan to cancel all planned cultural events hosted alongside Russian state and private organizations.
**Ukraine’s Air Defense Hits 74 Drones**
In other news, Ukraine’s air defense hit 74 out of 107 drones launched overnight by Russia. Ukrainian air defense has been crucial in protecting the country from Russian aerial attacks. The recent attack was one of many that have taken place over the past few days.
**NATO Summit and Diplomatic Efforts**
The NATO summit saw Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump hold their third in-person meeting since Trump’s return to office. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Germany is working with its defense industry, European allies, and the United States to urgently secure more systems for Ukraine.
**Humanitarian Concerns**
The use of landmines by Russian forces against Ukrainian military and civilians remains a major concern. Lawmaker Roman Kostenko called on Russia to adhere to international conventions and cease using mines.
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