Escalation of the Conflict in Sumy Region: Russian Troops Intensify Offensive Operations and Capture New Territories
The tense situation in northern Sumy region continues to escalate as Russian occupation forces have gained new positions and increased their offensive activities. According to the analysis by the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW), based on geolocation videos published on July 4, it became known that Russian troops advanced deeper into the region, capturing the village of Novomykolaivka located in the Khotin settlement community of Sumy district, and pushed southeast of this locality, strengthening their presence in the area. These actions raise concerns among the Ukrainian military community, as they complicate the defense efforts and heighten the risk of further Russian control expansion in the region. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces are defending and actively conducting counterattacks in response to these aggressive movements. Reports from the Ukrainian Armed Forces indicate that the past week has been heavily fought on relevant fronts. On July 3 and 4, Russian troops launched attacks in northern Sumy oblast, particularly near Kindrativka, Kostiantynivka, and Miropol, which are in close proximity to Sumy city. It is also reported that Russia is launching up to 50 missile strikes daily, indicating an increase in the intensity of attacks. The Ukrainian General Staff confirmed in its morning report that Ukrainian troops successfully repelled 17 enemy assaults on the north-Slobozhansky and Kursk directions. At the same time, the enemy carried out 13 airstrikes with 32 guided bombs and over 290 artillery shellings, including nine from multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS). The situation worsens on the northern Kharkiv sector, where, after brief assaults, Russian forces managed to seize the village of Milove and several forests to the west and south of it. These developments complicate Ukrainian defenses and pose a threat of further escalation of the conflict.