Sumy and Kharkiv oblasts, both in northeastern Ukraine and bordering Russia, have been crucial in Ukraine’s defense since the full-scale invasion began in 2022. Moscow launched a two-pronged attack on Kharkiv Oblast last May, but by June 8, Zelenskyy announced that Russia had “failed” in its offensive
read more
A top Kyiv general said on Thursday (March 27) that Russian forces may be looking to break into Ukraine’s Sumy province, citing an alleged increase in attacks along the country’s northeastern border. The Sumy province lies right next to Russia’s Kursk region across the border.
General Oleksandr Syrskyi was quoted by Reuters as saying that Kyiv forces were conducting defensive and assault operations to create a buffer zone inside Russian territory.
“Our soldiers continue to conduct a defensive operation to prevent the enemy from breaking deep into Ukrainian territory,” the general wrote in a Facebook post.
This comes a day after Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in an interview that Russian President Vladimir Putin was preparing for a new offensive in Sumy and Kharkiv regions.
“I can confirm that Putin is trying to get time and is preparing for a spring offensive. We see preparations for this upcoming operation,” Zelenskyy said. He claimed his nation has shared intelligence with all allies. “We see preparations for this upcoming operation,” he said.
The Ukrainian leader added that Putin wanted to launch this operation eight months ago but he had to postpone his plans owing to Ukraine’s Kursk operation.
Zelenskyy said Putin didn’t really want peace and he “was only stalling for time”.
Sumy and Kharkiv oblasts, both in northeastern Ukraine and bordering Russia, have been crucial in Ukraine’s defense since the full-scale invasion began in 2022. Moscow launched a two-pronged attack on Kharkiv Oblast last May, but by June 8, Zelenskyy announced that Russia had “failed” in its offensive.
On Wednesday, Ukraine’s border guard in a statement to local media confirmed that Russian groups were conducting cross-border raids into the Sumy region.
Earlier this month, Zelenskyy had reportedly warned of Russian forces mobilising along the country’s northeastern border. “We understand this and will take countermeasures,” he wrote on Telegram.
(With inputs from agencies)