**Russian Claim of Capturing Village in Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Sparks Debate**
A village in Ukraine’s southern region of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast is reportedly contested, with both Ukrainian and Russian forces claiming control over the area. The Finnish Black Bird Group open-source intelligence collective says that Dachne village appears to be under dispute.
On July 7, Russia’s Defense Ministry announced that its troops had taken control of Dachne, marking the first time a village in the industrial region had been captured by Russian forces. However, Ukrainian military officials quickly denied the claim, calling it “disinformation.” Viktor Tregubov, spokesperson for Ukraine’s Khortytsia group of forces, said that Dachne is still under Ukrainian control as of July 8.
**Russian Advances in Multiple Sectors**
Russia’s recent push into Dnipropetrovsk Oblast comes as part of a larger offensive campaign across the front. After launching an attack in the spring, Russian troops have opened new fronts in Sumy and Donetsk oblasts, capturing border villages and gaining ground in eastern Ukraine.
Emil Kastehelmi, a military analyst with the Black Bird Group, notes that Russia’s advances are part of a broader strategy to encircle key cities and towns. By first securing control over surrounding areas, Moscow aims to make it difficult for Ukraine to maintain logistics roots.
**Contested Village: A Strategic Location**
Dachne village is strategically located on lower ground than the surrounding areas, making it challenging for both sides to hold. Kastehelmi suggests that Russian troops would need a stronger attack to capture Ukrainian positions and establish a solid presence in the village.
While Western military experts question the military value of capturing individual villages or small groups of them, they believe securing progress in new regions could be politically significant for Moscow. The Russian push into Dnipropetrovsk Oblast may be part of an effort to widen its southern flank and encircle key cities in Donetsk Oblast.
**Gray Zone: Uncertainty Reigns**
As the battle for Dachne village continues, it remains unclear which side holds control over the area. Kastehelmi suggests that the situation is a “gray zone,” with neither side able to establish a secure foothold due to the danger involved in entering the village.
The 37th Marine Brigade’s video showing soldiers from the 2nd battalion raising a flag in Dachne appears to suggest that Ukrainians have managed to enter at least the northern part of the village. However, it is unclear how long they can maintain control over the area.
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