Russian Forces Breach Eighth Region in Ukraine Amid Ongoing Conflict

Kyiv, Aug 27 (AP) Russia's invading forces have breached an eighth region in Ukraine, according to a Ukrainian military official on Wednesday. This move is part of Russia's ongoing efforts in a three-year war of attrition, as US-led peace initiatives face difficulties.

Russian troops have reportedly entered the villages of Novoheorhiivka and Zaporizke in the eastern Dnipropetrovsk region, an industrial hub adjacent to the Donetsk region, known for intense conflict. Victor Trehubov, a spokesman for local ground forces, informed The Associated Press via phone.

Earlier this month, Russia's Defence Ministry claimed the capture of both villages. However, Trehubov noted that Russians have yet to fortify their positions, and battles still continue in the area.

Ukrainian troops are under immense pressure as they work to hold back Russia's larger army. Military analysts observe no imminent collapse in Ukrainian defenses and highlight that Russian forces haven’t seized major towns or cities, although their gradual advance through rural areas continues to strain Ukraine.

The conflict's front line, marked by countless casualties on both sides, extends approximately 1,000 km across eastern and southeastern Ukraine, bordering Russia. Russian forces have already entered the Sumy, Kharkiv, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Mykolaiv regions.

Russia's illegal annexation of the Crimean Peninsula from Ukraine occurred in March 2014, and currently, it occupies about 20% of Ukraine.

Western leaders accuse Russian President Vladimir Putin of stalling peace efforts and avoiding sincere negotiations while Russian forces push further into Ukraine.

US President Donald Trump expressed frustration on Tuesday over Putin’s lack of response to an American proposal for direct peace talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Trump indicated that if talks aren’t arranged, he expects to make a decision on future actions in two weeks.

Ukraine has accepted US proposals for a summit with Putin and a temporary ceasefire.

Russia has objected to US and Western plans for establishing postwar security assurances to protect Ukraine from future Russian incursions, even if a current peace deal is secured.

Possible security guarantees being considered by Western officials may include deploying European troops in Ukraine. However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized that having soldiers from NATO member countries would be unacceptable to Moscow.

Ukraine is attempting to disrupt Russia's military operations by targeting infrastructure beyond the front lines using long-range drones. Recent strikes on refineries and other oil facilities have led to fuel shortages in certain regions of Russia.

Russia, on its part, continues its campaign to undermine Ukraine's energy supply in advance of the harsh winter, repeatedly targeting the power grid.

Ukraine's Energy Ministry reported Wednesday that energy and gas infrastructure in six regions of the country were hit by Russian attacks. (AP)

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