Russia has resources to capture only certain lines in Sumy region - Colonel Selezniov

He shared this on Espreso TV.

"Apparently, expecting the enemy to act rationally is futile after their attack on the north of the Kharkiv region with relatively small forces. In the Kursk region, bordering Sumy and partly Kharkiv, they've amassed about 10-12 thousand troops for future attacks on our borders and positions. These numbers are insufficient to control the city of Sumy or even to occupy the so-called gray zone, where Ukrainian Defense Forces couldn’t create engineering fortifications. This area is actually overseen by small Defense Forces' observation posts and is partially mined. The first robust defense line starts 8-10 km away," said Selezniov.

He added that the resources gathered by the Russians in the Kursk region are enough to capture only certain lines and positions in some front areas.

"Ukrainian artillery units, with support from Western and American partners, will handle this. We have the authority to use artillery on our territory. The focus is on additional enemy resources that could be deployed in the Sumy region. Will they attempt such a provocation? Again, it's not about military necessity, but a political decision for Russian generals to execute. This tactic makes sense because it creates favorable conditions for Russian forces on the eastern front. Currently, the enemy is concentrating efforts on the Kramatorsk, Pokrovsk, and Kurakhove directions. They aim to prevent us from transferring strategic reserves there," he added.

According to Selezniov, Russia might use provocations to divert Ukrainian resources.

"In my opinion, the enemy will likely intensify efforts in auxiliary directions, not just in the north of Kharkiv region, but possibly in Sumy and the south of Zaporizhzhia. This will force the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine to use part of their strategic reserves to block these enemy advances," he added.

• On May 13, Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate, said he expects a new Russian offensive in the Sumy region.
• On May 21, Andriy Demchenko, spokesperson for the State Border Service, stated that a Russian attack on Sumy could happen "at any moment."
• On May 23, Demchenko reported that border guards in the Sumy region are seeing high activity from enemy subversive and reconnaissance groups.
• On May 24, the Ukrainian General Staff noted that Russian forces are building up near the Chernihiv and Sumy regions.