Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov affirmed on June 9 that this is "one of the targets" in the ongoing military campaign in Ukraine.
The Russian Defense Ministry had previously announced that the No. 90 Armed Division had approached the western border of the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) and expanded its campaign to neighboring territory. Although no specific details were disclosed, further reports confirmed that the advances had won new positions.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said in late May that the establishment of a buffer zone was a necessary measure to protect civilians from artillery and drone attacks from Ukraine, especially in the areas of Donbass, Kursk, Belgorod and Bryansk.
In addition to Dnepropetrovsk, Russian attacks have also been recorded in the Sumy region, near the northern border of Ukraine, further raising concerns about a new, more widespread front.
Analysts said the move was a serious symbolic and strategic blow to Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russian Sen. Andrey Klishas said the campaign in the region marked a proactive phase in the de-favoriteship process.
The development comes as Russia and Ukraine have just completed two direct talks in Istanbul. However, Moscow insists that long-term peace is only possible when Kiev recognizes Crimea, Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia as Russian territory and pledges to remain neutral - something Ukraine has so far strongly rejected.
