Ukrainian command comments on Russian advances in Sumy Oblast and encirclement threat

Russian forces have captured a number of settlements along the border in Sumy Oblast over recent months, but there is currently no threat of encirclement for the city of Sumy.

Source: Ukraine's Joint Forces Group responsible for defending southern Sumy Oblast; DeepState, a Ukrainian group of military analysts

Details: Some journalists claimed on social media that the situation in Sumy Oblast is becoming critical, with the worst-case scenario being a semi-encirclement of the city. The Joint Forces grouping responded by stating that Russian incursions have been minor and have taken place over many months.

Quote: "Regarding claims in the media about a 'threat of semi-encirclement of Sumy from the north and east'.

We would like to clarify that as a result of months-long attempts by Russian forces to advance into Ukrainian territory in Sumy Oblast, they have managed to occupy several settlements directly on the border, such as Hrabovske and Myropilske. As a result, the depth of the occupied border zone is up to 3-4 km, while the distance to the city of Sumy exceeds 35 km.

Please take this into account when assessing the prospects of 'encirclement of the city from the east'. We also emphasise that all attempts by the enemy to infiltrate Ukrainian territory are detected and stopped in time. The occupiers will not succeed and should keep their 'dreams' of any 'envelopment' or 'encirclement' to themselves."

Details: Analysts from DeepState also said that online discussions about increased Russian activity in Sumy Oblast framed as a threat of encirclement do not reflect reality.

They noted that the current pattern of Russian actions indicates the formation of a buffer zone.

Quote from DeepState: "The enemy continues to build up numerical advantage on the border with Sumy Oblast, exerting pressure to infiltrate deeper into the territory and primarily attempting to establish a foothold in the infiltration zone (the grey zone) to control areas along the border. There have been no significant changes to the north of Sumy Oblast."

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!