Russian advance in Sumy region takes different shape than in Pokrovsk, analyst says

Political analyst Viktor Bobyrenko, an expert with the Bureau of Analysis and Policy and Sumy native, shared the information on Espreso TV.

“As for the threat to the city of Sumy, it's still too early to make any firm conclusions. But it's worth noting that the frontline here is flipped — it doesn’t run in the classic east-to-west direction. In Sumy region, the enemy is advancing from north to south, trying to reach the towns of Khotin and Yunakivka, and aiming to cut off the Sumy–Yunakivka–Sudzha highway. The danger here lies in the terrain — to the north, there’s a network of ponds that are difficult for heavy equipment to cross. Unlike in Pokrovsk, Russian forces are using different tactics here — attempting to reach the highway from the north using mopeds and motorcycles, while to the south begins a nearly continuous stretch of dense forest,” Bobyrenko said.

According to him, earlier Russian troops were advancing toward Basivka and then Yunakivka. Now they are pushing in from the northeast, from the direction of Kostiantynivka, and have already entered the village of Kindrativka. “In just 4–5 days, they’ve taken a significant chunk of territory,” he added.

“It’s clear tanks won’t work here — this is an infantry and sabotage-reconnaissance war. If the enemy crosses the highway and enters the forested area — not just tree lines like in the east, but real forests — the problem will be that it’s dense terrain where drones are less effective. Russian forces have reached the outskirts of Yunakivka from the northeast, and Kindrativka from the northwest, which leaves about 10 km to Khotin, where the forests begin. In Sumy region, the number of forests is greater than near Pokrovsk or in parts of Zaporizhzhia, and that could give the invaders an advantage in a summer offensive, since the most effective vehicle here is either a moped or your own feet,” Bobyrenko concluded.

• Recently, Russian forces have been trying to expand the movement zone of their small assault groups in the Sumy region, shelling the areas near Veselivka and Volodymyrivka.
• On Monday, June 2, reports have emerged saying that Russian forces have captured the settlement of Kostiantynivka in the Sumy region.