Weakness or fortress: military assesses chances of Russians to approach Sumy city
13 June 11:36
The situation in northern Ukraine, particularly in the Sumy region, was once again in the spotlight. Russian troops have intensified offensive actions in the border areas, which has caused concern among both the military and the civilian population. However, according to military and political experts, these actions are not so much strategic as informational. President Volodymyr Zelenskyi, the military, and analysts commented on the situation in Sumy region. Is this really a strategic threat to the city of Sumy? What are the advantages and weaknesses of Ukrainian defense in this area? And what is more important today – fortification or disguise of positions – read more in the article of
The Ukrainian military is gradually pushing back Russian forces on the Sumy direction. This was stated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy in his traditional evening address on Thursday, June 12. The Head of State said that he had heard a report from Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi on the situation in the Pokrovske and Kursk directions, as well as on the current situation in the Sumy region.
“Our units in Sumy region are gradually pushing back the occupier. Thank you very much! I thank each of our soldiers, sergeants and officers for this result. To each unit,” Zelensky emphasized.
The President also thanked the military for their courage and dedication, thanks to which the Ukrainian army continues to hold the line and gradually improve its positions on the front line.
How much territory of Sumy region is occupied by Russians?
According to the DeepState portal, as of June 13, 2025, Russians occupied 196.97 km2. Sumy region. The advance took place over three weeks.
The enemy entered the settlements of: Zhuravka, Novenke, Basivka, Bilovody, Veselivka. Partially, Vodolaha, Yablunivka, Volodymyrivka, Oleksiyivka, Andriivka, Kostyantynivka and Kindrativka. Yunakivka is marked with a gray zone. In one week, Russians managed to occupy 42 km2 of Sumy region.
Butusov: Russians are advancing in Sumy region because there are no defense lines
Russian troops have intensified offensive actions in the north of Sumy region, taking advantage of the lack of properly constructed defense lines. This was reported on Radio Liberty by a soldier of the 13th National Guard Brigade “Charter” and journalist Yuriy Butusov.
According to him, the occupiers are advancing in the open, where there are no natural shelters or effective engineering structures. This significantly complicates the defense of Ukrainian forces.
“I think the offensive will continue until the enemy comes close to dense forests 15-20 kilometers from Sumy. There, our troops will be able to hold their positions, as logistics routes and advanced positions will be partially covered by the terrain,” Butusov said.
Instead, the Telegram channel “OFFICER” writes that not all fortifications are needed and Sumy region should be an example. The military says it is now important that they are built properly. He says that the days of powerful BOPs and ROPs are over – today the main thing is camouflage.
“The conditions on the battlefield have changed dramatically over the past year, and the first priority is to disguise the position, because if you are “burned” (and it’s hard not to see such a bullshit), they will fuck you until you are leveled to the ground,” the statement reads.
The report also notes cases where fortifications were built in the middle of open fields or forests were cut down around dugouts, effectively completely depriving the positions of protection and concealment.
Defense Forces officer Yevhen “Tykhyi” assessed the chances of Russians reaching Sumy
It is currently difficult to make accurate predictions about the development of events in this area, but Sumy region has both vulnerabilities and significant advantages. This was stated by Defense Forces officer Yevhen “Tykhyi” in an exclusive commentary for
“Sumy residents are great patriots. They have a strong motivation, a real Ukrainian spirit. I was there and personally felt their inspiration. Even in the first days of the full-scale invasion, there was no doubt in the minds of most locals. And now, their fighting spirit has only gotten stronger, and their hatred for the enemy is even stronger,” emphasizes Yevhen “Tykhyi”.
Among other advantages, the Armed Forces have already established logistics in this area. According to Yevhen “Tykhyi”, this supply system has been developed over several months, and it already allows for an effective response to the situation.
“Our military have also been working to disrupt Russian logistics in the border areas. This allows us to continue to deter the enemy. Perhaps, even after the Kursk operation, some agents remained on the other side. Although I don’t rely on this too much – the Russians are a cowardly breed. But one thing is clear: Sumy region is already seriously militarized,” adds Yevhen “Tykhyi”.
Despite the threat, the officer is convinced that the region is ready to defend itself. And most importantly, it has the strength of mind, without which no amount of equipment will save it.
Sumy region as an information distraction
The latest intensification of Russian troops in the Sumy region is mainly informational and is not the enemy’s main strategic goal. This was stated by military observer Vasyl Pehnyo on the air of KSHDU Media, emphasizing that the real center of the Russian army’s efforts remains in Donbas.
“If you ask me about their strategic goal, what the Russians want to achieve with this, to be honest, there is none, except for information,” Vasyl Pehnyo said.
The military observer adds that this week, when most Ukrainian media were actively discussing the situation in Sumy region, we, without wanting to, partially played along with the Russians’ information plans. Pekhnyo emphasized that the main vector of hostilities is currently concentrated in the Donetsk region, where, according to the General Staff, up to 80% of all Russian strike forces are deployed.
“Donbas is the main direction. Reaching the administrative borders of Donetsk region remains the number one goal for the Russian command. Sumy region is a distraction, auxiliary and information front,” Vasyl Pehnyo said.
According to the expert, this tactic is not new for Russia. Over the past six months, there have been at least a few similar attempts to create a media stir without any real offensive actions.
Despite the localized threat in the north, the overall picture of the fighting shows that the main goal of the Russian army remains in the east, particularly in the Donetsk region. At the same time, Ukrainian forces are making progress and are ready to defend every meter of their land. The Sumy direction remains sensitive, but not critical, and the main key to its defense remains motivation, community mobilization and strategic cohesion of the army.
