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Ukrainian forces have reportedly gained a foothold in the Russian town of Demidovka, which is part of the broader Belgrad operation. According to military informants, fighting remains intense in the area, with both Ukrainian and Russian units present in the village. While the Ukrainian armed forces claim to have captured the town, Russian military bloggers suggest that control is still contested, leading to ongoing skirmishes.
The strategic value of holding territory within Russia is significant for Ukraine, as it can serve as a bargaining tool in ongoing ceasefire negotiations with the United States. Furthermore, controlling Demidovka complicates Russian military logistics, requiring them to commit resources to repel Ukrainian advances instead of reallocating forces to other fronts.