**Russia Claims Control of Eastern Ukraine Territory**
Russia’s military has reportedly taken control of more land in eastern Ukraine, according to the country’s Defense Ministry. This development comes as Moscow continues its attack on Ukraine, despite renewed peace negotiations between the two countries.
The fighting is centered in the Dnipropetrovsk region, which lies east-central Ukraine. Russian forces have been pushing into this area, with the goal of creating a “buffer zone,” according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. A buffer zone would essentially be a buffer area, separating Russia and Ukraine.
While it’s not clear how much territory has actually been taken by Russian forces, the Institute for the Study of War believes that Moscow is trying to cut off Ukraine’s supply lines to its troops in the Donetsk region, further east. This could give Russia significant control over Ukraine’s military operations.
**Ukraine Denies Losses**
In contrast, Ukrainian officials claim that their forces are still holding the front near the eastern border of Dnipropetrovsk. They deny that they have lost any ground to Russian troops.
However, the situation on the ground is fluid and difficult to verify, especially given the intensity of the fighting in recent weeks. Russia has been making significant gains, and Ukraine’s military operations deep inside Russian territory earlier this month inflicted damage on Moscow’s nuclear-capable strategic bomber planes.
**Escalating Conflict**
The renewed peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine last month seemed like a breakthrough after more than three years without talks. But the conflict has actually intensified in recent weeks. Russia has carried out heavy air attacks, while Ukraine conducted an audacious operation that caused significant damage to Moscow’s military capabilities.
This escalating conflict raises concerns about the prospects for peace. Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, warned last weekend that if Ukraine did not accept Russia’s territorial gains in peace talks, then Moscow would continue its military advance.
In short, the situation on the ground remains volatile and uncertain, with both sides claiming different realities.
