Russia attempts to breach Sumy border, aims to encircle Ukrainian troops in Kursk region

Andriy Demchenko, spokesperson of the State Border Guard Service, reported the information.

“Trying to push the Ukrainian Defense Forces out of the Kursk region, the Russians are carrying out dozens of assault actions against Ukrainian positions. They seek to encircle our forces in the Kursk region or cut off their logistical routes,” he explained.

According to Demchenko, the Russians are attempting to cross the border in small assault groups of 2-3 soldiers, sometimes up to 5. Their goal is to penetrate deep into Ukrainian territory, accumulate forces, establish positions, and expand the combat zone.

“However, they are not succeeding: just in the past 24 hours, about 20 Russian servicemen have been eliminated,” Demchenko emphasized.

Situation in the Kursk region

On March 11, DeepState reported that Russia had made slight advances in the Kursk direction, particularly in the areas of Myrne and Zozulivka. Additionally, the Russian army is reinforcing its troops in the eastern part of the city of Sudzha.

On March 12, Forbes reported that Ukrainian forces are likely withdrawing from the Kursk region amid the Russian offensive, specifically referring to the most combat-capable brigades.

At the same time, MP Kostenko denied reports of the Defense Forces withdrawing from Sudzha. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also assured that the Ukrainian Armed Forces continue to carry out their missions in the Kursk region.