Russian forces are increasing their presence in Sumy Region, expanding territories for possible offensive actions from the west: the State Border Guard Service warns of a new enemy tactic
The Russian occupation forces continue to escalate their tactics of small, intense infantry raids in Sumy Region, expanding control over territories from the west. This was stated by Andriy Demchenko, spokesperson for the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, during the telethon "Prяма mова," commenting on the situation along segments of the Ukrainian-Russian border in the region. According to him, the Russians have intensified their so-called "assault groups" — small in number but extremely mobile units that use quad bikes and motorcycles to penetrate deep into Ukrainian territory for reconnaissance, setting up ambushes, and attacking Ukrainian positions. "The situation in Sumy is extremely tense. The most difficult situation is within the boundaries of Yunakivka and Khotin communities, where the enemy continues its actions. Russian forces actively use small assault groups to break into our territory, trying to seize any opportunity to gather forces, carry out sabotage operations, and conduct attacks. Over the past few weeks, we have observed an increase in activity particularly in the directions of the settlements of Basiivka and Zhuravka," Demchenko said. He emphasized that armed groups operating on quad bikes or motorcycles are attempting to penetrate deeper into Ukrainian territory, counting on quick reinforcement gathering in the rear and unexpected strikes against Ukrainian positions. According to him, the enemy aims to make these raids as long and substantial as possible, trying to secure new positions or establish so-called "pushes" for further advancement. Demchenko highlighted that Ukrainian defenders are protecting the border with utmost responsibility and are deploying dense fire coverage at the intersection of this aggression. At the same time, the occupiers are using fire not only against Ukraine but also targeting border areas in Kursk Region, Russia, complicating the situation for the enemy and creating new difficulties for their operations. Returning to the analysis of the situation, it is worth noting that the tension in Sumy has been increasing in recent days. According to the Ukrainian Armed Forces headquarters, this sector remains one of the most challenging operationally due to the active tactics of the enemy, their attempts to penetrate as deep as possible into Ukrainian territory, and to establish so-called "pushes" for rapid reinforcement. A report on the situation appeared just before, when Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Oleksandr Syrskyi stated on May 31 that Russian troops had intensified efforts in the Zaporizhzhia direction and concentrated significant forces near the borders of Sumy Region. This once again confirms that the enemy is not abandoning attempts to integrate activity across different regions and recognizes Sumy as one of the key areas in their strategic plans for advancement. Ukraine continues to strengthen its defense, actively using reserves and innovative tactics to prevent full-scale enemy infiltration and to consolidate positions. Russia, judging by current trends, appears to be trying to complicate the situation by advancing small groups to avoid large-scale strikes and to maximize difficulties for Ukrainian forces to control the situation at the border. Reports of such activity are concerning and serve as a reminder that the front in Sumy remains one of the hottest and most unstable regions in the ongoing war.