Could battles start in Dnipropetrovsk region: Expert evaluation

In response to the question of whether fighting will start in the Dnipropetrovsk region if the Russian forces cross the administrative border, Stupak noted that "we must consider the worst-case scenario."

"To assume that the Russians won’t go there just because it's a different administrative unit is pointless. They will move where there are favorable conditions for them: no swamps, no mines, no fortifications. Where it’s easier. But saying that they will simply march to the Dnipropetrovsk region and 'walk through the cities' is also incorrect," said the expert.

At the same time, he noted that the Russian troops are most likely to first try to "press" the Donetsk region and only then move towards Dnipro.

"It depends on what they are focused on. We can't rule out Dnipro, because it’s the Russians. But they have already concentrated so much effort on the Donetsk direction that I believe they will try to push it first before starting any other operations. But of course, nothing can be ruled out," said Stupak.

Threat to Dnipropetrovsk region

Over the past two months, the situation around Velyka Novosilka in Donetsk region has escalated. The settlement is located near the administrative border with the Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk regions.

Representatives of the Ukrainian Defense Forces point out that if the Russian army succeeds, it will open the opportunity for them to advance in several directions. Therefore, the enemy is trying to break through the defense of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and capture logistical routes.

For more on what is happening at the front and whether there is a threat to the Dnipropetrovsk region, read the material by RBC-Ukraine.