Russian forces push into Sumy: Ukraine fights to hold key routes

Andriy Demchenko, spokesperson for the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, explained, "These are not mass assaults. When the enemy tries to drive the Ukrainian Defense Forces out of Kursk Oblast, first, it puts pressure on our units within Kursk Oblast. Then, it (Russia) is trying to expand the area of active combat activities, trying to enter the territory of Ukraine."

Demchenko highlighted that the State Border Guard Service and the armed forces are working to inflict maximum losses on the enemy. Their goal, he stressed, is to prevent the opponent from securing a foothold on Ukrainian territory and regrouping their forces.

The Ukrainian army is striving to prevent Russian forces from advancing deeper into the country and cutting off key logistical routes.

Demchenko explained that these are not large-scale assaults. When the enemy attempts to push Ukrainian forces out of the Kursk region, they primarily target the flanks. Their strategy then involves expanding the zone of active combat operations and trying to advance into Ukrainian territory.

On Saturday, the Ukrainian DeepState project reported that Russians maintain fire control over all logistical routes of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Kursk region.

"The enemy has broken through near the locality of Novenke and strengthened their group there. (The Russians) continue reinforcing their position, utilising their earlier success" - wrote DeepState on Telegram.

On 25th February, Russian troops attacked a section of the border in the Sumy region, entering Ukrainian territory.

The Ukrainian army managed to repel this assault, but the Russians have not ceased their attempts, using infantry for further attacks. According to soldiers fighting in the Kursk region, the Russians aim to move from Novenke to the key road Sumy-Yunakivka-Sudzha, which is an important supply route for Ukrainian forces in the area.