The Armed Forces of Ukraine responded to Russia’s plans to advance in Sumy and Kharkiv regions

Ukraine has established echeloned defenses near Sumy and Kharkiv, stated Dmytro Lykhoviy.

At present, there are no significant changes on the frontline, stated the spokesperson of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Dmytro Lykhoviy, on his Facebook page, commenting on the issue of a possible Russian offensive in Sumy and Kharkiv regions.

“Over the past few weeks, the enemy has indeed managed to increase pressure in the Kharkiv and Kursk directions, particularly along the border areas of Sumy region. In fact, this is part of the offensive actions that the rashists began back in May 2024. At the same time, the situation remains stable. The Armed Forces of Ukraine continue to carry out a defensive operation, and in some areas (for example, along the border with Russia’s Belgorod region, and not only along the border), they are conducting active defense operations and achieving success,” he wrote.

The spokesperson added that the occupiers’ aggressive plans are nothing new. Russia carries out ground assaults and barbaric airstrikes on a daily basis.

“But the Russians have already threatened us with offensives and intentions to ‘take something in three days’ more than once. In reality, for almost half a year now, they’ve been unable to capture Pokrovsk, Myrnohrad, fully seize Toretsk or Chasiv Yar. Not to mention Sumy and Kharkiv, where we have established layered defenses, prepared fortifications, and are taking additional measures to counter the occupiers. So, the enemy’s increased activity in the north of Sumy and Kharkiv regions is a statement of fact, but not a reason to fuel hype-driven headlines,” Lykhoviy added.

Russian offensive: what we know

Earlier, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, stated that the Russians have already effectively begun their offensive in the Sumy and Kharkiv regions. He also noted that among the enemy’s plans is to create a buffer zone in the Chernihiv region as well.

“And it looks like they have no intention of stopping… You can see for yourselves that, despite all the ongoing negotiations, we’re only seeing an increase in the intensity of offensive actions. I can say that the President is absolutely right — this offensive has in fact already begun,” Syrskyi said.

Nikita Shenderovskyy

Tags: Kharkiv Kharkiv oblast Russia russia ukraine war sumy sumy oblast Ukraine war