The Center for Countering Disinformation under the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine decisively refuted Russia’s claims regarding the alleged “expansion of the bridgehead” in Dnipropetrovsk region
According to the head of the Center, Andriy Kovalenko, all reports from Russian official sources about advancing their troops into the depths of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast are false and do not reflect the actual situation. "As of the morning of June 9, all Russian statements, including those by Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov, about the supposed movement of Russian troops toward Dnipropetrovsk are not consistent with the reality on the front line," Kovalenko noted in an official statement. The informational confrontation surrounding the events in this part of Ukraine has been ongoing for several days. On Monday, May 9, the Russian Ministry of Defense issued a statement claiming the advancement of its troops toward Dnipropetrovsk region. According to official reports from Moscow forces, their troops have supposedly increased control over territory, for example, "liberating" new areas. However, Ukrainian defenders refuted these claims, emphasizing that nothing of the sort is happening and that the situation in the region remains under Ukrainian control. Meanwhile, Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson, later stated that these reports are part of Russia’s plans to establish a security buffer zone near Ukraine’s borders, with Russian troops allegedly seeking to push deeper into Ukrainian territory. According to him, this is necessary to ensure so-called "stability" and "reduce threats to Russia." The background of these events traces back to the evening statements on June 8, when the Russian Defense Ministry reported network strikes in Dnipropetrovsk region, supposedly related to ongoing offensive operations. At the same time, the Ukrainian General Staff promptly denied this information, emphasizing that Ukrainian forces control the situation and that no large-scale incursions or advances by Russian troops are taking place in the region. Overall, this story once again highlights the information warfare and actions by Russian propaganda, which employs fake claims and attempts to destabilize the Ukrainian front-line situation. Ukrainian authorities and military officials note that Ukrainian defenses are holding their positions, and any reports of Russian troop movements are attempts at discreditation and psychological pressure on the population and Ukrainian leadership. In this context, tension is increasing around the Kremlin’s actions and its information policy regarding the use of the "buffer zone" narrative to justify potential offensive operations in southern and eastern Ukraine. Ukrainian experts and military analysts call on fellow citizens to be cautious with informational messages and hope for a consistent defensive line capable of countering Russian disinformation and preserving regional sovereignty.