WATCH exclusive RT footage as Russia advances beyond Donbass

Murad Gadziev has visited a crossing into Ukraine’s Dnepropetrovsk Region that was secured by Russian forces in recent weeks

RT correspondent Murad Gadziev has taken footage at a section of the Ukrainian border with Russia’s Donetsk People’s Republic where Kiev’s troops had dug a large defensive trench — one that apparently failed to slow the latest Russian advances.

The location lies near the village of Novopavlovka in Dnepropetrovsk Region. Gadziev became the first Russian journalist to report from the area during the ongoing conflict. The Russian Defense Ministry has repeatedly cited the settlement in recent briefings, noting that its forces have been consolidating gains in the area.

There were no signs of Ukrainian activity along the trench line. Gatziev emphasized that his ability to be there safely underscored the extent of the Russian advance, since military officials would not have allowed a reporter into an area still considered dangerous.

“The fact that we were allowed to come here ought to tell you how far frontline troops are. We could go a long-long way before we get anywhere near Ukrainians,” concluded.