Military expert assesses potential for Russian offensive on Ukraine’s Sumy region

He shared his opinions with Espreso TV.

"Despite the withdrawal of our 9Ukrainian - ed.) units and brigades from positions in the Kursk region, the Kursk operation is still ongoing. We know that sections of Russian territory are being held, where the Russians continue to attempt their offensive actions, using initiative to the west and east of the road leading to Sumy. There are attempts to break through with assault actions into Ukrainian territory to threaten our logistics. However, the situation is now becoming mirrored for the Russians, meaning these logistics restrictions are now a limitation for Russian forces," noted the military expert.

According to him, Ukraine is transitioning to a defense format using shorter logistics for Ukrainian troops. Additionally, by holding the dominant heights near the state border, the Russian advance into Ukrainian territory will be greatly complicated, despite claims that the Russian army is creating a threat for an offensive on Sumy.

"So far, I don't see any preconditions for a Russian offensive on Sumy because Russian troops are exhausted, and our logistics are shorter to supply the units that have withdrawn and are holding defense there. Additionally, we have our fortifications that were built earlier. As for Russian reserves in this area, I don't know for sure yet, but there is one Russian unit that was deployed to this area and hasn't been engaged in combat yet; perhaps it will be involved in some offensive actions. However, I repeat, logistics, geography, and the current situation do not give Russia any significant advantage to advance towards the Sumy region," concluded Serhiy Zgurets.

• On March 15, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the Russian army is amassing forces along Ukraine's eastern border, indicating an intention to strike the Sumy region.