Russia Attempts Cross-Border Incursion in Sumy Region, Ukraine Repels Attacks

Russian forces are attempting to breach the Ukrainian border near the settlements of Novenke and Zhuravka in the Sumy region, but their assault groups are being neutralized by Ukraine’s Defense Forces.

According to Colonel Andrii Demchenko, spokesperson for the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, Russian troops continue their efforts to advance into Ukrainian territory. During a briefing at the Media Center Ukraine, Demchenko stated that reports suggesting a significant Russian breakthrough in the area are inaccurate.

“There have been claims that Russian forces have deeply penetrated the region, but this does not reflect the reality on the ground,” Demchenko stated. “The enemy has consistently attempted to enter Ukrainian territory to improve its tactical position.”

He added that Russian forces may aim to encircle Ukrainian units in the Kursk region or disrupt logistical routes. “Two key areas of focus for these incursions are the settlements of Novenke and Zhuravka, which constitute the left flank of the border in relation to operations in the Kursk region,” he said.

Previously, Russian forces attempted to breach the border near Zhuravka using armored columns. These attempts were met with a decisive response from Ukraine’s Defense Forces, which successfully destroyed the advancing Russian units.

Despite these setbacks, Russian forces continue to deploy smaller assault groups in an effort to gain a foothold on Ukrainian territory. Demchenko noted that recent efforts have been more concentrated in the direction of Novenke.

“The primary objective of these assault groups is to penetrate Ukrainian territory, consolidate their position, and, if reinforcements arrive, expand the zone of combat operations,” Demchenko added.

Ukraine’s Defense Forces are utilizing artillery and unmanned aerial systems to prevent Russian forces from establishing a presence. “This area has effectively become a kill zone where enemy troops do not survive,” he stated.

In response to follow-up questions, Demchenko emphasized that, according to General Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, there are currently no indications that Russian forces are in a position to sever Ukraine’s logistical supply lines in the region.

Earlier, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, stated that Ukraine’s Defense Forces remain in control of the border between Sumy region and Russia’s Kursk region despite sustained Russian attacks.