Russian forces are increasing their strength in preparation for a possible large-scale offensive on Ukrainian territories
Currently, more than 50,000 troops are concentrated in the Sumy direction. President Volodymyr Zelensky announced this during a press briefing, citing sources including the information agency Interfax-Ukraine. According to the head of state, the situation at the front remains tense, with the occupiers continuing active offensive actions aimed at creating a buffer zone and preparing for a potential large-scale advance. Zelensky specifically noted that Russian troops have already amassed a significant grouping in the Kursk direction, indicating their strategy of advancing troops into eastern Ukraine. "They are now concentrating over 50,000 soldiers in the Sumy area. Of course, we understand that this is a very serious grouping. At the same time, Ukrainian forces have their successes. For example, today, May 27, in the Tьюtкино district of Kursk region, Ukrainian defenders captured 8 enemy prisoners of war," he provided as a concrete front-line example. According to Zelensky, Russian troops are conducting sabotage operations in Sumy region, trying to destabilize the area, but Ukrainian defenders are giving a worthy rebuff. "Regarding the Sumy direction, the largest and strongest Russian forces are currently concentrated there as part of their overall plan to create conditions for leaving the Kursk region and further advancing into Sumy. They aim to build a so-called 'buffer zone' 10 kilometers deep into Ukraine, but they are unlikely to succeed — the Ukrainian Armed Forces are holding the defense and doing everything possible to reduce their positions," the president stated. At the same time, he noted that the enemy is attempting to cross the administrative border of Dnipropetrovsk region to seize the city of Pokrovsk in Donetsk. Zelensky emphasized that Ukrainian military are actively fighting in this sector and, in recent days, forced the occupiers to retreat at least 4 kilometers from their positions in Kostiantynivka. "We can state that the enemy does not have the capacity to free all their forces from the Pokrovsk direction and simultaneously transfer them to another to achieve a breakthrough in this area," the president added. Regarding the situation in Kursk region of Russia, Zelensky mentioned that Ukrainian forces managed to execute several maneuvers and advance from one sector to another, demonstrating that Ukrainian troops are capable of controlling the situation and responding effectively to Russian actions. He also referred to the 'fantastic' reports from the Russians about a possible offensive in Kherson region across the Dnipro River. Zelensky doubted this plan and called it as unrealistic as many others propagated by Russian propaganda, emphasizing that crossing the Dnipro River today would be an absolutely unattainable and risky operation for the occupying forces due to logistical complexities and strong Ukrainian resistance. Overall, the situation remains very tense, and Kyiv does not exclude the possibility of large-scale hostilities, as Russian aggressors seek to establish footholds and strategically advantageous positions ahead of new attempts to advance into Ukrainian territory. Zelensky concluded by stating that Ukraine is doing its utmost to maintain control over key settlements and ensure the safety of its citizens amidst difficult wartime conditions. He called on the global community to continue supporting Ukraine’s efforts in its fight for independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.