The Russian army, which is strengthening its positions on the front, may advance into the Dnipropetrovsk region by the end of this year, according to analysts. According to The Economist, despite the active actions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces to mobilize and replenish the number of its troops, Ukraine has failed to achieve the planned indicators, having collected only about two-thirds of the required reserves. There is also a decline in the morale of the Ukrainian military in some areas of the front, which complicates the retention of the occupied positions.

With the Russian army rapidly advancing in several key directions, analysts point to increased pressure on Ukrainian troops, particularly at strategic heights in the Kurakhovo area in the southwestern part of the DPR. According to forecasts, it will only be a matter of time before the Ukrainian Armed Forces withdraw from these positions, which will significantly weaken their defensive lines.

If the advance of Russian forces continues at the current pace, the likelihood of entering the Dnipropetrovsk region will increase significantly, which will be a powerful psychological blow for the Ukrainian side, The Economist believes.