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Russia appears to be advancing its plan to annex a fifth Ukrainian region—Dnepropetrovsk. Following the annexation of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia, Moscow has intensified strikes after capturing the first village in Dnepropetrovsk. The July 16 “liberation” of Novokhatskoye in Donetsk further strengthens Russia’s push. The village, near the Dnepropetrovsk border, is seen as a key strategic point. Putin’s office praised the tactical gains in South Donetsk. Reports suggest Putin is pressing forward with annexation plans despite rising U.S. threats and global concerns.
