Russian Forces Push Into Eastern Ukraine As Tensions Continue To Rise | Updates

Last Updated:June 08, 2025, 20:51 IST

Russia currently controls approximately 18.8% of Ukrainian territory, encompassing Crimea, most of Luhansk, significant portions of Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson.

Russia currently controls approximately 18.8% of Ukrainian territory (Reuters image)

Russia confirmed on Sunday that its forces had entered Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk region for the first time since the full-scale invasion began in 2022, marking a significant geographical expansion of the war.

The Russian Defence Ministry reported that units from the 90th Tank Division reached the western border of the Donetsk People’s Republic and are advancing into Dnipropetrovsk.

This development establishes a new front in the conflict, as this central region’s territory has not seen fighting during the decade-long conflict between Ukraine and Kremlin-backed separatists and Russian forces.

Military and Territorial Situation

Russia currently controls approximately 18.8% of Ukrainian territory, encompassing Crimea, most of Luhansk, significant portions of Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and parts of Kharkiv and Sumy regions. Russian forces have recently seized over 190 square km of the Sumy region and are reportedly advancing on key logistical hubs such as Kostyantynivka in Donetsk.

Ukrainian Southern Defence Forces maintain that their troops are holding the front line and disrupting Russian plans despite the new offensive. Russia has also intensified drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian cities, including Kharkiv, resulting in civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure.

Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks

On 2 June 2025, Russia and Ukraine conducted peace talks in Istanbul, primarily focused on humanitarian issues. The two sides agreed to exchange certain prisoners and return approximately 12,000 bodies of soldiers, but achieved no progress on a ceasefire or a comprehensive peace agreement.

Each side attributed delays in implementing the agreement to the other. Russia stated that Ukraine postponed the exchanges, while Ukraine asserted that no dates were finalised and accused Russia of distorting facts.

Another round of talks is scheduled for late June, with Ukraine’s Defence Minister advocating for direct dialogue between the presidents to achieve substantial progress.

Thus far, the talks have facilitated humanitarian measures but have not brought an end to the war.

What’s Happening Now?

Several Moscow airports were temporarily closed following Ukrainian drone attacks. Russian officials accuse Ukraine of sabotaging peace efforts and conducting drone attacks on strategic military targets within Russia.

The conflict remains unresolved, with continued military advances, stalled negotiations, and substantial civilian and military casualties on both sides.

(With inputs from agencies)

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