Russia attempts to broaden combat zone in Sumy region — Ukraine's Border Guard Service

He said this during a broadcast of the national telethon.

Andrii Demchenko noted that a significant number of attacks are concentrated in the Sumy region, where the Russian army is actively using aviation, including guided aerial bombs and unguided rockets. This firepower precedes the entry of small assault groups, which is a common tactic of the Russian Federation.

The spokesperson emphasized that previously, such tactics were observed only in a small area, particularly in the direction of the settlements of Basivka and Zhuravka.

"But recently, we have seen that the enemy is trying to expand this zone, and now attempts by these infantry groups to enter are also being recorded in the direction of Veselivka and Volodymyrivka. I can also once again note that the enemy is not using armored vehicles either in this sector or anywhere else along the border within the Sumy region," he reported. 

Demchenko stated that the Russian small assault groups periodically try to break through on quad bikes or motorcycles, using speed to penetrate deeper, but the Defense Forces strike such groups, especially when they try to gather to expand the combat zone.

"However, even though the enemy suffers heavy losses, they do not care about losing their servicemen and continue to send such groups into our territory. Dozens of Russian occupiers are killed in this operational zone, dozens are wounded, but the enemy continues to use this tactic in this direction," the spokesperson noted.

• The Russian army has established control over Andriivka and Vodolaha in the Sumy region, and has also advanced in the Donetsk region.