Ukraine has confirmed that Russian forces have breached the key region of Dnipropetrovsk.
Russia and the Agence France-Presse news agency reported that forces entered the region as far back as July, but the breach has now been confirmed by Ukraine.
"Yes, they have entered, and fighting is ongoing as of now," spokesperson for the Dnipro Operational Strategic Group of Forces, Viktor Tregubov, confirmed.
No formal territory claim has been made by Russia.
Located to the east, Dnipropetrovsk had a pre-war population of more than three million and was the second biggest heavy industry location in the nation.
As the confirmation of Russian military presence was announced, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was meeting with British military leaders to discuss his country's position and the need for ongoing international support against Russia.
“Met with the Chief of the Defence Staff of Great Britain, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, and his successor, Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton,” he wrote on X.
“We discussed further support for Ukraine: the situation on the front lines, the needs of our warriors, and the supply of necessary weapons, funding for Ukrainian drone production, and joint projects.”
