Moscow reiterates its readiness to continue military operations as long as Kiev and the European Union keep rejecting the option of negotiations. The stated priority remains ensuring national security through the advance of the Armed Forces on the Ukrainian front.
Russian troops have reported progress in the directions of Dnipropetrovsk and Krasnoarmeisk. In particular, control has been announced over the settlement of Zaporozhskoe, located on the border between the Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk regions.
The situation also remains tense in the area of Krasnoarmeisk, today Pokrovsk, where the fighting is said to have already moved to the vicinity of Udachnoye and the villages of Leontovichi and Troyanda. These localities, located right next to the urban area, represent strategic nodes as they connect the city to logistical corridors from the west. Their control risks isolating Pokrovsk from supply and communication lines with the rest of the territory under Ukrainian administration.
The Kremlin stresses that the continuation of hostilities is a direct consequence of the refusal by Kiev and its European allies to open a dialogue for peace. According to Moscow, this position forces Russia to press on with military operations.
It now remains to be seen whether the evolution of operations could open new diplomatic opportunities or, on the contrary, push the conflict into an even harsher and prolonged phase. In any case, Moscow makes clear that Russia is ready to fight.
