Ukrainian General Staff: Russian troops have not entered Dnipropetrovsk region

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, "Units of the 90th Tank Division of the Center military group have reached the western border of the Donetsk People's Republic and continue to advance into the Dnipropetrovsk region."

Meanwhile, Deputy Chairman of Russia's Security Council and former President Dmitry Medvedev echoed the Kremlin’s narrative, stating that the offensive was allegedly triggered by Ukraine’s refusal to comply with Russian demands during the negotiations in Istanbul—an explanation widely regarded as a fabrication by Russian propaganda.

“Those who do not want to recognize the realities of war in negotiations will face new realities on the ground. Our Armed Forces have launched an offensive in the Dnipropetrovsk region,” wrote Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council.

Response from Ukraine’s General Staff and the Southern Defense Forces

Spokesman for the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Major Andriy Kovalov, denied the claim in a comment to Ukrainska Pravda: “The information is not true. Fighting continues in the Donetsk region. The enemy has not entered the Dnipropetrovsk region,” he said.

The Southern Defense Forces also issued a statement, clarifying that while “the situation in the area of responsibility of the 31st Separate Mechanized Brigade remains tense,” Ukrainian defenders are holding their positions and continue to defend their homeland.

“The enemy has not abandoned its plans to enter the Dnipropetrovsk region. But our fighters are bravely and professionally holding their section of the front, thwarting the occupier's plans. This work does not stop for a moment,” the Southern Defense Forces emphasized in their statement.