Sumy under pressure: Russian advance expands in border areas
Russian troops have captured the villages of Andriyivka and Vodolahy in Ukraine’s Sumy region and are pushing toward Yablunivka, near the northern border with Russia, according to the DeepState project.
What do you need to know?
- Russian troops have occupied two villages in the Sumy region in northeastern Ukraine.
- The situation in the region is critical as the Russians are advancing to within 19 to 24 kilometres of Sumy, enabling them to threaten the city with FPV drones.
- The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) does not confirm the complete occupation of Andriyivka and Yablunivka but acknowledges the advance of Russian troops in the Sumy region.
What are the latest reports from the Sumy region?
The offensive in Ukraine’s Sumy region is ongoing, with Russian forces reportedly taking control of the villages of Andriyivka and Vodolahy and securing positions there. According to the statement, this advance is largely attributed to the sheer number of Russian infantry, described as advancing relentlessly and in overwhelming waves.
Russian forces continue their offensive in Ukraine’s Sumy region, having seized control of Andriyivka and Vodolahy and established positions in both villages. The advance has been attributed to the overwhelming presence of Russian infantry, which, according to the statement, is moving in relentless and densely packed formations.
Do the Russians threaten the city of Sumy?
The situation in Kindrativka remains under assessment after sightings of Russian infantry, though Ukrainian Defence Forces are actively engaged in preventing a potential Russian entrenchment. Meanwhile, the Yablunivka–Junakivka area is also facing intensified pressure from enemy forces, according to DeepState.
On the maps of this analytical project, the area controlled by the Russian army in the northern part of the Sumy region has expanded to approximately 155 square kilometres, and a further 50 square kilometres have been marked as an area of unspecified control (a so-called "grey zone").
The situation is described as critical, with Russian forces advancing to within 19 to 24 kilometres of Sumy—close enough to pose a threat to the city using fibre-optic-guided FPV drones. According to DeepState, similar drone strikes have already been attempted in the past.
What are the international reactions to the situation in the Sumy region?
The American think tank Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has not confirmed the occupation of Andriyivka and Yablunivka, classifying them as localities in an area of unspecified control. At the same time, it notes the advances of Russian troops and their minor territorial gains in the Sumy region.
On Tuesday, Ukrainian media—citing military analysts—reported that Russian forces had captured the border village of Kostiantynivka in the Sumy region. While the troops are advancing toward Sumy, analysts believe they do not yet have the necessary resources to seize the city.
