Russians are advancing — after a breakthrough in the region, Sumy may come under direct fire.
On the border of Sumy Oblast, Russian occupiers have intensified their offensive and advanced 6–7 kilometers deep into Ukrainian territory.
According to Ivan Shevtsov, head of the press service of the “Steel Border” brigade, the main
assault is directed toward the settlements of Yunakivka and Khotin. If the Russians capture these villages, the regional center, the city of Sumy, will be under direct threat.
Russia does not intend to stop at creating a so-called “buffer zone,” adds Shevtsov. Its goal is the full occupation of Sumy Oblast, as well as Kharkiv Oblast and other regions in eastern Ukraine.
According to Andrii Demchenko, spokesperson for the State Border Guard Service (SBGS), about 50,000 Russian troops have been concentrated in Kursk Oblast near the Russian border, UNIAN reports.
Control over Sumy and its surrounding roads would allow Moscow to sever the main supply lines supporting Ukrainian operations in Russia’s Kursk Oblast. Additionally, seizure of Sumy would strengthen Russia’s territorial claims in any future peace talks, as Moscow seeks to annex more Ukrainian territory it already occupies.
The offensive is accompanied by intense shelling from drones, artillery, and aircraft using glide bombs and guided missiles.
All of this aims to complicate the defense of Ukrainian positions and push even deeper.
“The situation is not easy — in fact, it’s difficult. The Russians are sending infantry groups toward Yunakivka and Khotin. If earlier we observed activity in the areas of Basivka and Zhuravka, now the zone has expanded,” Demchenko says.
So far, heavy armored vehicles have not been used. Instead, Russia is deploying infantry, including units on quad bikes and motorcycles, to quickly break into Ukrainian territory.
The invaders are trying to entrench themselves in forest belts and hideouts while awaiting reinforcements.
“We must pay tribute to our soldiers, who are bravely holding the defense and destroying dozens of invaders every day… But unfortunately, the enemy does not care about its losses — some die, others keep coming,” the military spokesperson emphasizes.
According to Demchenko, the occupiers’ goal is to gradually expand the combat zone and move closer to strategically important logistical hubs to increase pressure on Ukraine’s defense forces.
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