Ukrainian Forces Counter Russian Claims of Dachne Capture with Evidence

In a recent development in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, the Ukrainian General Staff has refuted claims made by Russian propaganda regarding the capture of the village of Dachne in the Dnipropetrovsk region. According to an official statement released on July 2, 2025, Russian troops reportedly entered Dachne only long enough to produce staged footage, before being repelled by Ukrainian forces.

The claims of a Russian capture were initially circulated on pro-Russian Telegram channels, showcasing videos of troops allegedly occupying positions in Dachne and raising the Russian flag—actions interpreted as evidence of a complete takeover. However, the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) quickly countered these assertions, clarifying that while reconnaissance units had briefly entered the village, they were subsequently eliminated.

"The enemy managed to snap a photo with a Russian tricolor, but that was their last activity. Ukrainian soldiers successfully destroyed the invaders," the AFU stated. This assertion aligns with ongoing reports of Russian reconnaissance and sabotage units attempting to breach the administrative borders between Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk; however, they have consistently failed to maintain any foothold.

Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine's military intelligence directorate, emphasized that the city of Dnipro remains secure, with missile and drone attacks being the only significant threats. In a Telegram post, Junior Sergeant Stanislav Bunyatov from the 24th Aidar Assault Battalion underscored the importance of holding the line in the Donetsk region, highlighting past discussions on potentially ceding territory to stabilize the situation, which he argued would only encourage further Russian advances.

Further analysis by the Ukrainian OSINT group DeepState has indicated that while Russia continues to attempt establishing a 'gray zone' along the borders, there has been no significant breakthrough. Andriy Kovalenko, head of Ukraine's Center for Countering Disinformation, reaffirmed that despite increased activity from Russian drones in the area, Ukrainian defenses are holding firm.

Viktor Tregubov, spokesman for Ukraine's 'Khortytsia' operational-strategic group, noted that intense battles are ongoing in nearby villages such as Yalta, Komar, and Shevchenkove, yet Ukrainian forces are effectively maintaining control.

As the conflict progresses, the implications of such propaganda tactics by Russia highlight the ongoing information war being waged alongside physical confrontations. The ability of Ukrainian forces to counter these narratives is crucial not only for boosting morale among troops and civilians but also for ensuring continued support from international allies amid fluctuating military and diplomatic developments.

In conclusion, while Russian forces may attempt to portray successes in the battlefield, the reality on the ground, as emphasized by Ukrainian officials, paints a different picture. The situation remains fluid, and the resilience of Ukrainian forces will be pivotal in determining the outcome of ongoing engagements in the region.