**Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Village Likely Contested Despite Russia’s Claim of Its Capture**
In the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, a village in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast has become the latest focal point. The village of Dachne, located in the southern part of the oblast, appears to be contested according to open-source intelligence collective, Finnish Black Bird Group.
The Russian Defense Ministry claimed on July 7 that they had seized Dachne, which would mark the first village under Russian control in the industrial Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. However, the Ukrainian military denied this claim, calling it “disinformation.” Viktor Tregubov, spokesperson for Ukraine’s Khortytsia group of forces, stated that Dachne is under Ukrainian control as of July 8, with the 37th Marine Brigade firmly holding onto it.
According to Tregubov, Russian troops were trying to gain a foothold on Dachne’s outskirts, relying on fast-paced assaults along the roads using light equipment such as motorcycles. This tactic may indicate that Russia is attempting to test Ukrainian defenses and gain an advantage in the region.
Emil Kastehelmi, a military analyst with the Black Bird Group, noted that while Russian troops appear to have entered Dachne “at some point,” it is likely a gray zone, with neither side controlling it since it’s too dangerous to get in. The 37th brigade posted a video on Facebook showing its soldiers from the 2nd battalion raising a flag in Dachne, which suggests that Ukrainians managed to enter at least the northern part of the village.
Kastehelmi stated that getting into Dachne and holding it is likely difficult for both sides, as the village is located on lower ground than the surrounding areas. He added that Russians need to do a stronger attack to capture Ukrainian positions on top of the reach line in order to gain a solid presence in the village.
**Russian Strategy**
While Western military experts have doubted that a single village or a few in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast hold military values, they believe it may be politically important for Moscow to secure progress in a new Ukrainian region. By trying to move deeper into Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, Russia appears to be eyeing widening its southern flank in an ongoing attack on Pokrovsk, Donetsk Oblast.
Kastehelmi noted that Russian troops have been advancing toward the border between Dnipropetrovsk and Donetsk oblasts “relatively quickly” since June. However, he pointed out that it is an area where Ukraine could “exchange land for Russian men and equipment” because Russia advancing forward in this border area won’t significantly affect the overall front-line situation.
**Analysis**
The contest over Dachne highlights the ongoing struggle between Ukraine and Russia in multiple sectors across the front. With many Ukrainian units worn out after fighting for over three years with little time off the front due to manpower shortage, it has been increasingly tough to hold the front.
Russia’s strategy of spreading its troops widely may lead to a situation where they struggle to achieve anything decisive quickly. This could be an opportunity for Ukraine to regroup and counterattack in other areas.
**Conclusion**
The status of Dachne remains uncertain as both sides claim control over the village. However, it is clear that Russia’s advances in the region have significant implications for the overall conflict. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is certain: the battle for Dnipropetrovsk Oblast will be a crucial test of strength between Ukraine and Russia.
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