Ukraine has acknowledged that Russian forces have crossed into the eastern Dnipropetrovsk region, marking the first attack of this scale there since the start of the full-scale invasion.
Officials said troops attempted to advance but their movement was stopped.
Russia’s defence ministry released images claiming its soldiers had entered the village of Zaporizke, while a Ukrainian mapping project assessed that both Zaporizke and Novohryhorivka were under Russian control.
Ukraine’s general staff rejected those claims, stating it continues to hold Zaporizke and that heavy fighting is taking place around Novohryhorivka.
Dnipropetrovsk is a vital industrial hub with more than three million residents before the war, making it Ukraine’s second largest centre of heavy industry after the Donbas.
While Russia has not formally sought to annex the region, its cities, including Dnipro, have been regular targets of missile strikes.
An overnight attack also hit energy facilities in neighbouring Poltava.
The limited advance follows recent Russian gains in Donetsk, where small units have probed Ukrainian defences. However, their push has been slowed by high casualties.
A wider Russian breakthrough into Dnipropetrovsk would deal a blow to Ukraine at a time when diplomatic efforts for peace are faltering despite talks involving US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
Western leaders continue to stress caution over any territorial concessions. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged stronger security guarantees, while the EU and UK have signalled readiness to support Kyiv’s long-term defence.
Meanwhile, Ukraine has eased travel rules for men aged 18 to 22, allowing them to leave the country freely.
Officials said the change is aimed at keeping younger citizens connected with Ukraine while exempting them from immediate military service, which begins at 25.