Russia claims second village seized in central Ukraine advance

Saturday 26 July 2025 - 12:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Russia claims second village seized in central Ukraine advance

Russia announced on Saturday that its forces had captured a second village in Ukraine’s central Dnipropetrovsk region, marking a fresh advance in the country’s industrial heartland. The village of Maliyevka, located in a key mining hub, was described by the Russian army as "liberated" during ongoing operations in the region.

Overnight strikes claim lives in Ukraine and Russia

Violence escalated overnight, with strikes between the two nations resulting in five fatalities. Ukrainian officials confirmed three deaths in central Ukraine, while Russian authorities reported two casualties in western Russia. The attacks highlight the continued volatility of the conflict, with civilian areas increasingly at risk.

Strategic significance of Dnipropetrovsk

The Dnipropetrovsk region plays a vital role in Ukraine’s economy, particularly as a center for coal mining that powers the electricity grid. Further Russian advances in the area could severely disrupt energy supplies and undermine Ukraine’s economic stability.

Authorities have begun evacuating civilians, especially families with children, as Russian forces inch closer to urban areas. Although the city of Dnipro, one of Ukraine’s largest, remains about 200 kilometers (120 miles) from the advancing front line, concerns are mounting over potential attacks.

Dnipropetrovsk and territorial claims

Unlike the regions of Donetsk, Kherson, Lugansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Crimea, Dnipropetrovsk is not among the territories Russia has officially claimed as part of its annexation efforts. However, its strategic importance makes it a significant focus of current military operations.