Russian Military Aims for Buffer Zone in Dnipropetrovsk Region
On July 11, 2025, Ukrainian military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov stated that Russia plans to claim territory in the Dnipropetrovsk region. The Russian armed forces have been tasked with establishing a buffer zone, according to Budanov’s interview with Bloomberg, reports 24brussels.
Budanov noted that it is unrealistic for Russia to capture the entirety of Donetsk Oblast by the end of the year.
He added that Russian troops are preparing to create a buffer zone extending up to 10 kilometers deep into Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
Previously, Ukrainian military personnel from the 110th Separate Mechanized Brigade, Serhii Volkov, reported that Russia is shifting forces to the administrative border of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast and utilizing the “gray zone” to amass its assault infantry groups, aiming to penetrate this region.
Just before this statement, the Russian Ministry of Defense claimed the occupation of the village of Dachne in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. However, Ukrainian Armed Forces denied these claims, asserting that the settlement remains under Ukrainian control.
