Russian forces trying to establish strongholds near Novenke, Zhuravka in Ukraine's Sumy region

Andriy Demchenko, the spokesperson for the State Border Guard Service, reported the information, as cited by Ukrinform.

“The length of the border within the Sumy region, along the border with Russia, is nearly 530 km. The main concern for citizens is the situation around the two settlements—Novenke and Zhuravka. Indeed, in recent times, the Russian army has been attempting to take certain actions there to expand the zone of active hostilities within Ukrainian territory. For this, they are using small assault groups trying to infiltrate our territory. Most likely, the enemy aims to encircle the Ukrainian Defense Forces operating in the Kursk region, as these settlements are at the edge of that area where Ukrainian troops are conducting their operation. Alternatively, the enemy may be attempting to cut off logistical supply routes,” Demchenko stated.

According to him, there is no significant Russian force buildup in the Sumy region. The operations involve small assault groups of up to five individuals.

“In some cases, we have observed that these groups also attempt to use ATVs, as their objective is to move as quickly and deeply as possible into Ukrainian territory to establish a foothold, wait for reinforcements, gather forces, and expand the zone of active combat,” the spokesperson added.

He emphasized that units of the State Border Guard Service and the Armed Forces are preventing the enemy from securing positions in the area.

• Earlier, Demchenko reported that Russia was attempting to infiltrate Ukrainian territory in the direction of Novenke in the Sumy region.