**Russia Advances to Border of Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk Oblast**
Russian forces have reached the administrative border between Dnipropetrovsk and Donetsk oblasts, according to a report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) on June 9. This development indicates that Russia’s territorial ambitions in Ukraine go beyond the four already-claimed regions – Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson.
The ISW analysis suggests that Russia’s strategic goal is to capture all of Donetsk Oblast and advance into Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. This would be a significant expansion of Russian control in Ukraine, as the four previously claimed regions are not fully under Russian control. Geolocated footage published by the ISW indicates that Russian forces have recently advanced to the border northwest of Horikhove, southeast of Novopavlivka.
**Kremlin Officials Justify Advance as Buffer Zone Creation**
Russian officials have justified their advance into Dnipropetrovsk Oblast as part of creating a “buffer zone” in Ukraine. Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov made this claim on June 9, while First Deputy Chairperson of the Russian State Duma Defense Committee Alexei Zhuravlev stated that Dnipropetrovsk Oblast is now within Russia’s sphere of interest.
Other high-ranking officials have also commented on the advance, with Chairperson of the Federation Council Committee on Constitutional Legislation and State Building Andrei Klishas referencing “denazification” in Ukraine. This echoes Russia’s long-standing demand for regime change in Ukraine. The statement by Chairperson of the Duma Defense Committee Dmitry Sablin that Russia will take unspecified Ukrainian cities if Ukraine doesn’t make peace on Russian terms has raised concerns about the potential consequences of this advance.
**Possible Preparation for Another Annexation**
Ukrainian officials have expressed concern that Russia’s advance into Dnipropetrovsk Oblast is a step towards occupying all of Ukraine on the east bank of the Dnipro River, including parts of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. The Deputy Head of the Ukrainian Presidential Office, Colonel Pavlo Palisa, stated on June 5 that Russia likely seeks to occupy these territories and seize Odesa and Mykolaiv oblasts by the end of 2026.
This development raises questions about the potential for another annexation by Russia. If Russia successfully integrates Dnipropetrovsk Oblast into its territory, it would demonstrate a significant expansion of Russian control in Ukraine. The international community is watching this situation closely, as it could have far-reaching implications for regional stability and security.
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