Why Russia's "offensive on the Dnieper" may not benefit Putin, according to an expert.

Russians will continue to "promote" the narrative of an "offensive on Dnipro" in the information space. However, a real offensive may not even be advantageous for Putin.

This opinion was expressed in a comment to the YouTube channel RBK-Ukraine by Ivan Timochko, head of the Council of Reservists of the Ground Forces.

"Russians are interested in all of Ukraine, including the Dnipropetrovsk region. Are they capable militarily? That is an entirely different question. There may be attempts to cross the administrative border. They might try, or they might not, since their target area is Donetsk," he said.

According to Timochko, attempting to enter another region without completing what has already been started is evidence that the occupiers are incapable of successfully conducting military operations.

"This might not hold significant importance for them, but it is of great consequence for Putin's image on the international stage. If the army starts operations that it cannot finish, it raises questions about the professionalism of that army. He understands this very well. That’s why we see the concentration of forces occurring around the Donetsk region," the military expert explained.

At the same time, he believes it is positive that administration leaders have begun to announce that they are strengthening fortification preparations.

"What should we understand? The administrative borders of the region are very conditional territory... And indeed, a preventive reaction is necessary; it is better to prevent than to react in haste later. On the other hand, the Dnipro direction will be more about information campaigns for the Russians. They are already heating up the topic that they will be moving towards the city of Dnipro. They will try to use this in the information space, but they clearly understand what awaits them there - not bread and salt, but a significantly worse situation," Timochko added.

However, on the other hand, he stated that the informational or panic campaign will definitely have a serious impact on domestic affairs in Ukraine.

"But as a military operation, this means they will need to draw 30,000 to 50,000 personnel to this direction from somewhere. Is there a place to get them, or will they prioritize their key directions instead? I think they will likely prioritize elsewhere," he concluded.

Possible Russian Offensive on Dnipro

Just today, the head of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Council, Mykola Lukashuk, advised people to leave frontline areas in advance, if possible.

"The regional military administration can facilitate evacuation from dangerous territories and provide places for accommodation. If you decide to stay, it is important to clearly assess all risks and be prepared for any situation," he noted.

At the same time, an official evacuation from the frontline communities of the Dnipropetrovsk region has not yet been announced.

Additionally, military expert Ivan Stupak recently mentioned in a comment to the YouTube channel RBK-Ukraine that fighting may begin in the Dnipropetrovsk region if the Russians cross the administrative border. However, it is likely that the occupiers will first try to "squeeze" the Donetsk region.