The latest developments of the Russian Ministry of Defense have once again focused the global attention on the frontlines of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict! On June 8, AFP reported that Russian tank troops have advanced to the Dnepropetrovsk region in eastern Ukraine, which is the first time that the Russian army has launched an offensive to the region in three years. Why did this strategic location, known as the "heart of industrial" of Ukraine, become the target of the Russian army's operation? What chain reaction will this military action bring to the Russian-Ukrainian war situation?

1. The value of "strategic locations": the key significance of Dnepropetrovsk

Dnepropetrovsk plays an important role in Ukraine. As an important mining and industrial center in Ukraine, it contains 60% of the country's coal and 40% of the iron ore resources, and its industrial output value accounts for 35% of Ukraine's total. More than 200 large enterprises constitute the country's industrial pillar. More importantly, it is located in the middle reaches of the Dnieper River and is the "main artery" of transportation connecting eastern and central Ukraine - railways, highways and oil pipelines are densely intertwined, especially the Dnepropetrovsk Hydropower Station, which undertakes nearly 20% of Ukraine's electricity supply.

The Russian army's advance this time obviously had clear strategic intentions. Military experts analyzed that controlling the region can not only cut off the Ukrainian army's resource supply line, but also directly threaten Ukraine's energy lifeline and industrial foundation. As the Russian military commentator said, "Take this place is equivalent to holding the 'key' of Ukrainian industrial system."

2. "Propulsion on the plain": The advantages and challenges of the Russian army

The plain terrain of Dnepropetrovsk provides convenience for the Russian armored forces. With the cooperation of drones, the Russian T-90M tank cluster advanced southward at a speed of 20-30 kilometers per day. Ukrainian soldiers revealed that the plains lacked natural barriers and the Russian artillery fire covers a wide range. Ukrainian army can only rely on abandoned factories and ditches to defend, and the defense line is under great pressure.

But rapid advance also brings logistical support problems. The 150-kilometer supply line from Donetsk to the front line was frequently attacked by Ukrainian guerrillas. The attack on the railway hub caused a tight fuel supply for the armored troops, and some vanguard troops were forced to suspend their operations. Military scholars pointed out: "If the Russian army wants to maintain its offensive, it must control key traffic nodes in the short term, otherwise it may fall into a logistical dilemma."

3. "Butterfly effect of the war situation": the impact on Russia-Ukraine and the international situation

For Ukraine, if Dnepropetrovsk is lost, it will cause disastrous consequences. Economically, industrial collapse may cause inflation to soar to more than 50%, and the monetary system is at risk of collapse; military, the collapse of the eastern defense line will expose Kiev to the range of Russian military firepower, forcing the Ukrainian army to draw troops from other fronts, which may cause an imbalance in defense across the board.

The international community pays great attention to this. The EU urgently negotiated an energy assistance plan for Ukraine, while NATO strengthened its military deployment in Poland. It is worth noting that if Russia further announces annexation of the region, it will break the strategic "red line" since the outbreak of the conflict, which may prompt the United States and the West to increase sanctions and lead to further escalation of the conflict.

Dnepropetrovsk's military trends are not only an important node in the Russian-Ukrainian battlefield, but also a microcosm of the changes in the international geopolitical pattern. Will the Russian army's first advance kick off the full offensive or take a tentative action? This contest around industrial centers is testing the strategic patience of all parties. Like and share, and continue to pay attention to this key battle that affects the European landscape!

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