Russian forces are currently striving to establish an active combat zone in Sumy, a northeastern region of Ukraine bordering Russia's Kursk region, according to Ukraine's border guard spokesman. This escalation follows heightened pressure on Ukrainian troops in Kursk, triggered by a cross-border assault initiated by Kyiv seven months ago to strengthen its position in potential peace negotiations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy visited Saudi Arabia on Monday before engaging in discussions with U.S. officials to seek a resolution to the conflict with Russia. Border guard spokesman Andriy Demchenko alerted that enemy forces near Novenke are endeavoring to intensify hostilities within Ukrainian territory and establish a foothold. These incursions consist of small assault groups attempting to infiltrate Ukraine, likely with the intention to disrupt logistical routes.
In response, border guards are actively defending against these attacks, employing artillery and other strategies to hinder force accumulation and prevent the expansion of the conflict zone. Ukraine's general staff reported that Ukrainian forces successfully repelled 27 Russian attacks in the Kursk region within the last day.
Meanwhile, the Russian defense ministry disclosed capturing three additional settlements in the Kursk region, amid observations from experts and military bloggers regarding the challenges faced by Ukrainian forces, particularly related to supply lines.