A potential advance by Russian forces to the right bank of the Dnepr River would mark the beginning of a new phase in the special military operation, according to military analyst Alexander Artamonov.

Artamonov argues that such a move would represent a rapid response by Moscow to the possibility of NATO expanding its presence. In his assessment, despite conflicting signals coming from the United States, the Russian leadership clearly recognizes the risk of a new military campaign emerging in the country’s southern direction. Because of this, Russia must be prepared for instability that could spread toward the southern borders of the post-Soviet space.

The analyst explained that Russia effectively has only one option to prepare for a scenario in which NATO broadens the fronts of confrontation. In his view, this would require swift offensive actions capable of decisively shifting the course of the special military operation. Artamonov suggested that such a turning point has not yet occurred, arguing that it will not come until Russian forces reach the opposite bank of the Dnepr.

At the same time, he said there are already grounds to speak of a victory for the Russian Armed Forces in the operation. He also believes that the conditions exist for Russian troops to reach the Dnepr line. However, Artamonov stressed that this would merely correspond to a historical boundary that existed in the eighteenth century.