Russian troops have captured several settlements in Ukraine’s Sumy region and are pushing toward the city of Sumy itself, with an estimated distance of just 20 kilometres remaining, according to the monitoring group DeepState. Among the areas now fully under Russian control are the villages of Kyndrativka and Oleksiivka.
Analysts report that Russian forces are concentrating infantry units in these settlements and preparing for further advances deeper into Ukrainian territory. The village of Khotin is believed to be the next objective, with attempts also observed in the direction of Mala Korchakivka.
DeepState notes that the situation has sharply deteriorated along the Novomykolaivka–Varachyne–Yablunivka–Yunakivka axis. Russian forces have moved close to these settlements, launching attacks and attempting to gain a foothold. Particularly dire is the situation in Yunakivka, where, according to observers, virtually no infrastructure remains intact for defensive purposes.
Of particular concern is the area near Loknia, where enemy troops are attempting to enter the forests east of the village and move toward Sadky. Should Russian infantry become entrenched there, dislodging them would be extremely difficult.
According to DeepState, Russia’s main asset in the region is its overwhelming numbers of infantry, often riding motorcycles, and its intensive use of FPV drones targeting Ukrainian logistics and defensive positions. Russian forces have deployed relatively little armoured equipment, relying instead on waves of foot soldiers and drones, many of which have been redeployed from Russia’s Kursk region following the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces.