Russian forces push toward Sumy, but effort lacks scale of major offensive — Ukrainian officer

He shared the information on Espreso TV.

"Since April 2022, when the Russians retreated from the Sumy region, we've been living in a kind of information bubble about an imminent large-scale offensive. Believe me, the Ukrainian Defense Forces, those units currently carrying out combat missions in the Sumy region, are prepared for any turn of events. Today, the Russian aggressors are indeed exerting pressure, trying to push deeper into our territory using sabotage and reconnaissance groups, motorcycle raids, buggies, and similar tactics. But this cannot be called a full-scale offensive, nor can it be considered a serious threat to major cities, including the regional center, Sumy. I am currently in Krasnopillia, right in its center — a strong, vibrant, and comfortable community. There is a school in my background that has been destroyed. There are almost no people left here, and living in the Krasnopillia community right now is life-threatening," he said.

Dmytro Lantushenko stated that Russian forces continue to exert pressure and destroy infrastructure, particularly in border communities. “The situation remains tense, but it is currently under the control of the Ukrainian Defense Forces,” he said.

He also addressed the ongoing Russian discussion about establishing a so-called buffer zone.

"Indeed, there is ongoing artillery shelling, and UAV attacks remain a serious issue. The enemy is using FPV drones on a large scale, especially against civilians. What we’re seeing today, the Russian attempts to enter the Sumy region, does resemble the formation of a so-called 'sanitary zone.' The situation is highly dynamic, with observation posts, dugouts, and forest strips changing hands on a daily basis. We need to understand that this is an intense military operation. So I wouldn’t say either side is actively establishing a buffer zone. Yes, there are hostilities on both the Ukrainian and Russian sides. The 117th Brigade continues to hold the state border and support other Ukrainian units in executing their combat missions effectively. We are destroying Russian personnel and equipment. Naturally, we are doing everything possible to protect border communities from FPV drone attacks, as well as from artillery and mortar fire. All actions by the Ukrainian Defense Forces are focused on saving lives and preserving our territory," the military representative added.

• On April 9, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi said that Russian troops had launched an offensive in the Sumy and Kharkiv regions.
• On April 9, Ukrainian MP and Secretary of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security, Defense and Intelligence, Colonel Roman Kostenko, stated that Russian forces have intensified their activity along the front line, but it does not yet constitute a full-scale offensive.