2025 Sumy Oblast incursion

{{Infobox military conflict

| conflict = Sumy front

| partof = Northern Ukraine border skirmishes

| image = Sumy incursion 2025 Map1.png

| alt =

| caption = Map of Sumy oblast as of 7 June 2025

| place = Sumy Oblast, Ukraine

| date = 19 February 2025 – present
({{Age in years, months, weeks and days|day1=19|month1=2|year1=2025|duration=yes}})

| status = Ongoing

| territory = Russian reoccupation of parts of Sumy Oblast

| combatant1 = {{flag|Russia}}

| combatant2 = {{flag|Ukraine}}

| strength1 = Per Ukraine:
62,000 – 67,000 soldier (in Kursk - Sumy Border)

| strength2 = Unknown

| units1 = * {{flagicon image|Sleeve patch of the 34th Mountain Motorized Rifle Brigade.svg}} 34th Mountain Motor Rifle Brigade

{{flagicon image|Great emblem of the 51st Guards Airborne Regiment.svg}} {{ill|51st Airborne Regiment|uk|51-й парашутно-десантний полк (РФ)}}
{{flagicon image|Great emblem of the 56th Guards Air Assault Regiment.svg}} 56th Air Assault Regiment
{{flagicon image|Great emblem of the 76th Guards Air Assault Division.svg}} 76th Air Assault Division
{{flagicon image|Great emblem of the 83rd Separate Guards Air Assault Brigade.svg}} 83rd Air Assault Brigade
{{flagicon image|Sleeve patch of the 810th Guards Order of Zhukov Naval Infantry Brigade.svg}} Elements of the 810th Naval Infantry Brigade

| units2 = * {{flagicon image|15th Stalevy Kordon Brigade.png}} 15th Mobile Border Detachment

{{flagicon image|36th Separate Marine Brigade (Ukraine) patch.svg}} 36th Marine Brigade
{{flagicon image|78th Air Assault Regiment SSI.svg}} 78th Airborne Assault Regiment
{{flagicon image|Нашивка 103-ої окремої бригади територіальної оборони ЗСУ (Львівська область).svg}} 103rd Territorial Defense Brigade
{{flagicon image|Ukrainian Special Forces 4th Special Purpose Regiment unit insignia.webp}} 4th Special Purpose Regiment
{{flagicon image|Izm zagin dpsu.jpg}} Izmail Border Detachment
{{flagicon image|67th Mechanized Brigade (2).png}} 67th Mechanized Brigade

| casualties1 = Ukraine claim:
20 soldiers killed
15 wounded
2 soldiers captured

| casualties2 = Russian claim:
255 killed
4 combat vehicles
14 vehicles
3 field guns{{Cite web|url=https://www.saba.ye/en/news3495209.htm|title=Russian Defense Ministry: Approximately 255 Ukrainian soldiers neutralized in Sumy Oblast|work=Saba|date=2025-06-07|accessdate=2025-06-09}}

| casualties3 = 56,000 residents evacuated,{{cite web | url=https://kyivindependent.com/nearly-56-000-residents-evacuated-from-sumy-oblast-additional-efforts-ongoing-governor-says/ | title=Nearly 56,000 residents evacuated from Sumy Oblast, additional efforts ongoing, governor says | date=20 May 2025 }} and 2 injured

| campaignbox = {{Campaignbox Russian invasion of Ukraine}}

}}

In an effort to counter Ukraine's 2024 offensive in Kursk, in early 2025 Russian forces launched cross-border incursions from Russia into Ukraine's adjacent Sumy Oblast.

On 10 January 2025, Russian troops crossed the international border into Ukraine's Sumy Oblast, advancing west of Zhuravka.{{Cite web |date=January 12, 2025 |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, January 12, 2025 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-january-12-2025 |website=Institute for the Study of War |quote=Russian forces recently crossed into northern Sumy Oblast as part of their ongoing efforts to eliminate the Ukrainian salient in Kursk Oblast. Geolocated footage published on January 10 indicates that Russian forces recently crossed the international border and advanced west of Zhuravka}} However, a few days later, the Ukrainian military claimed their forces had successfully pushed back the Russian attack.

In mid-February, Russian forces launched another cross-border incursion, claiming to have entered the villages of Novenke and Basivka. The former village was captured within a few days.

By the end of February, Ukraine's Center for Combatting Disinformation acknowledged the presence of Russian forces, while DeepState described Basivka and Novenke as "gray zones."{{Cite web |last=Hramm |first=Viktoria |date=2025-02-28 |title=Село Новеньке на Сумщині у "сірій" зоні — Deep State |trans-title=The village of Novenke in Sumy region is in the 'gray' zone — Deep State |url=https://suspilne.media/sumy/959359-selo-novenke-na-sumsini-u-sirij-zoni-deep-state/ |access-date=2025-03-14 |website=Suspilne |language=uk}}{{Cite web |date=2025-03-28 |title=ВСУ остановили прорыв войск РФ возле с. Новенькое в Сумской области. Враг продолжает попытки штурмов, - Генштаб Источник |trans-title=The Ukrainian Armed Forces stopped a breakthrough of Russian troops near the village of Novenke in the Sumy region. The enemy keeps trying to attack, - General Staff Source |url=https://censor.net/ru/news/3538492/selo-novenkoe-v-sumskoyi-oblasti-genshtab-otritsaet-proryv-granitsy |website=Censor.net}}

Background

Throughout 2024, Russian forces had launched limited cross-border attacks in Sumy Oblast, targeting the villages of Zhuravka, Chuikivka, Rozhkovychi, and Sytne, but all attempts ended in failure.{{cite web |last1=Wolkov |first1=Nicole |last2=Harward |first2=Christina |last3=Evans |first3=Angelica |last4=Hird |first4=Karolina |last5=Kagan |first5=Frederick W. |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, July 1, 2024 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-July-1-2024 |access-date=4 July 2024 |website=Institute for the Study of War}}{{cite web |last1=Wolkov |first1=Nicole |last2=Harward |first2=Christina |last3=Mappes |first3=Grace |last4=Hird |first4=Karolina |last5=Barros |first5=George |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, July 2, 2024 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-July-2-2024 |access-date=4 July 2024 |website=Institute for the Study of War}} Russian troops raided the village of Ryzhivka in June 2024, located near the border, close to the Russian settlement of Tyotkino. Geolocation footage confirmed that Russian troops had entered the village and advanced approximately 730 meters into Ukraine.{{cite web |last1=Mappes |first1=Grace |last2=Wolkov |first2=Nicole |last3=Harward |first3=Christina |last4=Hird |first4=Karolina |last5=Stepanenko |first5=Kateryna |last6=Barros |first6=George |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, June 10, 2024 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-june-10-2024 |access-date=18 June 2024 |website=Institute for the Study of War}} However, the next day, Russian forces withdrew from the area.

On 6 August 2024, Ukrainian forces launched an offensive into Russia's Kursk Oblast and occupied part of the region. On 15 August, they captured the town of Sudzha. Around the same time, Ukrainian military commander Oleksandr Syrskyi announced the establishment of a military administration in the occupied areas of Kursk Oblast, which was led by Major General Eduard Moskaliov as the head of the military command office.

Incursion

On 19 February 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on a televised broadcast that the 810th Brigade had crossed the border between the Russian Federation and Ukraine, entering Sumy Oblast.{{Cite web |title=Putin announces beginning of offensive on Ukraine from Kursk |url=https://newsukraine.rbc.ua/news/putin-announces-beginning-of-offensive-on-1739979117.html |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=RBC-Ukraine |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Путину доложили о пересечении ВС РФ границы в Курской области |url=https://tass.ru/politika/23188941 |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=TACC |language=ru}}{{Cite web |title=Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events – day 1,092 |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/2/20/russia-ukraine-war-list-of-key-events-day-22 |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}} However, this claim was denied by the head of Ukraine's Center for Combatting Disinformation, Andriy Kovalenko, as well as senior Ukrainian military officials.{{Cite web |title=Ukrainian General Staff denies Putin's claims on Russians breaking through into Ukraine from Kursk Oblast |url=https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2025/02/19/7499124/ |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=Ukrainska Pravda |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Ukraine denies Russian claims of border breach in Sumy region |url=https://newsukraine.rbc.ua/comment/ukraine-denies-russian-claims-of-border-breach-1739981213.html |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=RBC-Ukraine |language=en}}{{Cite web |agency=AFP |title=Ukraine Denies Putin Claim Of Fresh Cross-border Attack |url=https://www.barrons.com/news/putin-says-russian-troops-launched-new-attack-on-ukrainian-territory-802b7eb4 |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=Barron's |language=en-us}}{{Cite web |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, February 19, 2025 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-february-19-2025 |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=Institute for the Study of War |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2025-02-21 |title=Росіяни загальмували біля Покровська й прориваються на Курщині. Огляд фронту |url=https://www.bbc.com/ukrainian/articles/c4gdl1k99plo |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=BBC News Україна |language=uk}}{{overcite|date=April 2025}}

The following day, Russian sources reported that soldiers from the 810th Brigade had successfully entered Basivka, while Ukrainian sources confirmed that Russian forces had stormed the border in the Sumy Oblast.{{Cite web |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, February 20, 2025 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-february-20-2025 |access-date=2025-03-21 |website=Institute for the Study of War |language=en |quote=Russian milbloggers also claimed that Russian forces crossed the Ukraine-Russia international border from Sverdlikovo into Sumy Oblast near Novenke and Basivka (both just south of the international border) and that elements of the Russian 810th Naval Infantry Brigade (Black Sea Fleet [BSF]) entered Basivka}}{{Cite web |title=Russian troops stormed the border in Sumy region |url=https://mil.in.ua/en/news/russian-troops-stormed-the-border-in-sumy-region/ |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=Militarnyi |language=en-US}} Later, on 25 February, Russian forces again claimed that they had seized Novenke and were making progress toward northern {{ill|Zhuravka, Sumy Raion, Sumy Oblast|uk|Журавка (Сумський район)|lt=Zhuravka}}.{{Cite web |title=Institute for the Study of War |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-february-25-2025 |access-date=2025-03-21 |website=Institute for the Study of War |language=en |quote=A Russian source claimed that Russian forces seized Novenke and advanced in northern Zhuravka}} Meanwhile, the Ukrainian military acknowledged that Russian troops had crossed the border near Novenke but stated that they had successfully pushed them back into Russian territory.{{Cite web |date=28 February 2025 |title=AFU halted Russian troop breakthrough near village of Novenke in Sumy region. Enemy continues its assault attempts – General Staff |url=https://censor.net/en/news/3538492/novenke-village-in-sumy-region-general-staff-denies-border-breakthrough |website=Censor.net}}

On 28 February, Ukraine's Center for Combatting Disinformation acknowledged that Russian forces were attacking along the international border near Basivka and Novenke. Meanwhile, DeepState described both Basivka and Novenke as "grey zones". By March 2, Russian military bloggers claimed that Russian forces had captured Zhuravka.{{Cite web |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, March 2, 2025 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-march-2-2025 |access-date=2025-03-21 |website=Institute for the Study of War |language=en}} Around the same time, DeepState reported that Russian troops had broken through near the settlements of Novenke and Zhuravka and were reinforcing their positions.{{Cite web |title=Russian troops keep Ukrainian logistics under fire control in Kursk Oblast – DeepState |url=https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2025/03/2/7500868/ |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=Ukrainska Pravda |language=en}} On 7 March 2025, Russian sources claimed that their armed forces had taken over Novenke,{{Cite web |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, March 7, 2025 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-march-7-2025 |access-date=2025-03-14 |website=Institute for the Study of War |language=en}} and the next day, based on geolocation footage released, it's likely that Russian forces captured Novenke.{{Cite web |title=Russia Claims Counteroffensive Into Ukraine's Sumy Region |date=2025-03-09 |url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/03/09/russia-claims-counteroffensive-into-ukraines-sumy-region-a88296 |access-date=2025-03-27 |website=The Moscow Times |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Russia advances in Ukraine's Sumy region as Kyiv struggles to hold seized areas of Kursk |date=2025-03-10 |url=https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20250310-russia-lanches-cross-border-offensive-sumy-region-ukraine |access-date=2025-03-27 |website=France24 |language=en}}

After successfully recapturing the town of Sudzha, President Putin proposed establishing a "buffer zone" in Sumy Oblast to protect Kursk from future attacks.{{Cite web |last=Kitachayev |first=Bashir |date=2025-03-21 |title=How Likely Is a Fresh Russian Offensive on Ukraine's Sumy Region? |url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/03/21/how-likely-is-a-fresh-russian-offensive-on-ukraines-sumy-region-a88431 |access-date=2025-03-23 |website=The Moscow Times |language=en}} Starting on 11 March, Russian forces advanced west of Basivka and southwest of Zhuravka.{{Cite web |last1=Harward |first1=Christina |last2=Wolkov |first2=Nicole |last3=Mappes |first3=Grace |last4=Novikov |first4=Daria |last5=Barros |first5=George |last6=Kagan |first6=Frederick W. |last7=Runkel |first7=William |date=12 March 2025 |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, March 12, 2025 |url=https://understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-march-12-2025 |access-date=28 March 2025 |website=Institute for the Study of War}} in an effort to consolidate their positions in the region.{{Cite web |date=10 March 2025 |title=Russia trying to gain foothold in Ukraine's Sumy region, border guard says |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-trying-gain-foothold-ukraines-sumy-region-border-guard-says-2025-03-10/|access-date=28 March 2025 |website=Reuters}}{{Cite web |title=Russian troops attempt to consolidate positions near Basivka in Sumy Oblast – video |url=https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2025/03/13/7502724/ |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=Ukrainska Pravda |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Russians try quad bikes to seize village in Sumy Oblast, but face swift defeat |url=https://english.nv.ua/nation/fighting-in-sumy-oblast-russians-are-trying-to-gain-foothold-in-basivka-video-released-50497717.html |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=New Voice |language=en}} A Ukrainian official claimed that Russia was massing troops along the border in preparation for an "assault" on Sumy Oblast.{{cite web |last1=Wolkov |first1=Nicole |last2=Mappes |first2=Grace |last3=Evans |first3=Angelica |last4=Gibson |first4=Olivia |last5=Barros |first5=George |date=15 March 2025 |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, March 15, 2025 |url=https://understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-march-15-2025 |access-date=15 March 2025 |website=Institute for the Study of War}}

By 23 March, Russian sources claimed their troops had moved into {{ill|Volodymyrivka, Sumy Raion, Sumy Oblast|uk|Володимирівка (Сумський район)|lt=Volodymyrivka}}.{{Cite web |last1=Mappes |first1=Grace |last2=Gibson |first2=Olivia |last3=Harward |first3=Christina |last4=Barros |first4=George |last5=Runkel |first5=William |date=23 March 2025 |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, March 23, 2025 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-march-23-2025 |access-date=28 March 2025 |website=Institute for the Study of War}} A few days later, geolocated footage indicated that Russian forces had seized the border checkpoint between Sumy and Sudzha to the east of Basivka.{{Cite web |title=Russia 'reaches Ukraine border area' in battle for Kursk|date=2025-03-28 |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/03/28/russia-ukraine-live-putin-demands-ukraine-elections/ |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=The Telegraph |language=en}}{{Cite web |last1=Evans |first1=Angelica |last2=Wolkov |first2=Nicole |last3=Mappes |first3=Grace |last4=Gibson |first4=Olivia |last5=Gasparyan |first5=Davit |last6=Hird |first6=Karolina |last7=Trotter |first7=Nate |last8=Runkel |first8=William |date=27 March 2025 |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, March 27, 2025 |url=https://understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-march-27-2025 |access-date=28 March 2025 |website=Institute for the Study of War}} Ukrainian commander Syrskyi said that their forces are conducting a defensive operation to prevent Russian troops from advancing further into the northern Sumy region.{{Cite web |title=Ukraine's top general says Russia stepping up effort to attack Sumy region |date=2025-03-27 |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraines-top-general-says-russia-intensifies-actions-ukraines-sumy-region-2025-03-27/|access-date=2025-03-28 |website=Reuters |language=en}}

At the end of March, geolocation footage showed that Russian forces captured Veselivka,{{Cite web |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, March 31, 2025 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-march-31-2025 |access-date=2025-04-01 |website=Institute for the Study of War |language=en}} and the Russian Ministry of Defense also claimed that Russian troops had taken control of Veselivka.{{Cite web |date=2025-03-29 |title=Russia claims to capture Sumy Oblast border village |url=https://kyivindependent.com/russia-claims-to-capture-sumy-oblast-border-village/ |access-date=2025-03-30 |website=The Kyiv Independent |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, March 29, 2025 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-march-29-2025 |access-date=2025-03-30 |website=Institute for the Study of War |language=en}} However, Ukrainian officials denied the reports of the Russian breakthrough.{{Cite web |date=2025-03-29 |title=No border breakthrough recorded in Sumy region, but Russia is operating with small assault groups - Demchenko |url=https://unn.ua/en/news/no-border-breakthrough-recorded-in-sumy-region-but-russia-is-operating-with-small-assault-groups-demchenko |access-date=2025-03-30 |website=Ukrainian National News |language=en}}{{Cite news|title=Ukraine Denies Reports Of Russian Breakthrough In Sumy Region |url=https://www.rferl.org/a/sumy-kharkiv-donetsk-synyehubov--zelenskiy-trump/33234659.html |access-date=2025-03-30 |work=RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty |language=en}}

On 6 April, footage showed Russian troops advancing south of Basivka.{{Cite web |date=April 6, 2025 |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, April 6, 2025 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-april-6-2025 |access-date=2025-04-07 |website=Institute for the Study of War |language=en}} At the same time, Russia's Defense Minister claimed they had already seized Basivka,{{Cite web |title=Russia Says Captures Village In Ukraine's Sumy Border Region |url=https://www.barrons.com/news/russia-says-captures-village-in-ukraine-s-sumy-border-region-76ba332b |access-date=2025-04-07 |website=barrons |language=en-us}}{{Cite web |date=2025-04-06 |title=Russia Says Captures Village in Ukraine's Sumy Border Region |url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/04/06/russia-says-captures-village-in-ukraines-sumy-border-region-a88624 |access-date=2025-04-07 |website=The Moscow Times |language=en}} but Ukrainian officials denied it.{{Cite web |date=2025-04-07 |title=Russia claims capture of Sumy Oblast border village, Ukraine calls it 'disinformation campaign' |url=https://kyivindependent.com/russia-claims-capture-of-basivka-in-sumy-oblast-ukraine-calls-it-disinformation-campaign/ |access-date=2025-04-08 |website=The Kyiv Independent |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2025-04-06 |title=Ukraine's disinfo watchdog denies Russia's capture of Basivka in Sumy region |url=https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3979184-ukraines-disinfo-watchdog-denies-russias-capture-of-basivka-in-sumy-region.html |access-date=2025-04-08 |website=www.ukrinform.net |language=en}} Between April 6 and 8, Russian troops made some temporary advances north of {{ill|Loknya, Sumy Raion|uk|Локня (Сумський район)|lt=Loknya}}, but failed to secure a foothold and got pushed back by the 4th Special Purpose Regiment.{{Cite web |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, April 8, 2025 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-april-8-2025 |access-date=2025-04-09 |website=Institute for the Study of War |language=en}}

On April 9, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi said that Russia had already started their Spring offensive in northeastern Ukraine (Sumy Oblast).{{Cite web |date=2025-04-09 |title=Zelensky: Russia attempts to advance in Kharkiv, Sumy oblasts in new spring offensive |url=https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-russia-attempts-to-advance-in-kharkiv-sumy-oblasts-in-new-spring-offensive/ |access-date=2025-04-10 |website=The Kyiv Independent |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2025-04-09 |title=Russia Launched Offensive in Sumy and Kharkiv Regions, Ukraine's Top Commander Confirms |url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/04/09/russia-launched-offensive-in-sumy-and-kharkiv-regions-ukraines-top-commander-confirms-a88663 |access-date=2025-04-10 |website=The Moscow Times |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2025-04-09 |title=War map shows Ukraine hold off Russians as Putin launches new offensive |url=https://www.newsweek.com/war-map-ukraine-russia-kharkiv-sumy-belgorod-kursk-2057461 |access-date=2025-04-10 |website=Newsweek |language=en}}{{Cite web |title="Russia's offensive on Kharkiv and Sumy oblasts": Ukraine's General Staff clarifies situation |url=https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2025/04/9/7506800/ |access-date=2025-04-10 |website=Ukrainska Pravda |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Russian Offensive in Kharkiv, Sumy Already Underway, Says Syrsky |url=https://www.kyivpost.com/post/50468 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250410062835/https://www.kyivpost.com/post/50468 |archive-date=2025-04-10 |access-date=2025-04-10 |website=www.kyivpost.com}} At the same time, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy mentioned that Russia has gathered 67,000 troops ready to be deployed to Sumy. Meanwhile, Ukrainian military observer Kostyantyn Mashovets estimated that around 62,000 to 65,000 Russian soldiers and border guards are currently in Kursk. He also reported that Russia's 76th Airborne Division and the 83rd VDV Brigade captured Basivka.{{Cite web |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, April 9, 2025 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-april-9-2025 |access-date=2025-04-10 |website=Institute for the Study of War |language=en}}

On April 13, Russian state media claimed that their forces had seized 70 square kilometers in Sumy Oblast. However, the Institute for the Study of War reported that it could only confirm Russian control over 43.61 square kilometers in the region.{{Cite web |last1=Evans |first1=Angelica |last2=Wolkov |first2=Nicole |last3=Harward |first3=Christina |last4=Gibson |first4=Olivia |last5=Harvey |first5=Anna |last6=Barros |first6=George |last7=Trotter |first7=Nate |date=14 April 2025|title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, April 14, 2025 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-april-14-2025|access-date=20 June 2025|work=Institute for the Study of War}}

On April 24, Russian forces were confirmed to have captured Basivka and advanced southwards into northern Loknya.{{Cite web |last1=Harward |first1=Christina |last2=Novikov |first2=Daria |last3=Harvey |first3=Anna |last4=Mappes |first4=Grace |last5=Barros |first5=George |last6=Trotter |first6=Nate |last7=Runkel |first7=William |date=24 April 2025|title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, April 24, 2025 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-april-24-2025|access-date=20 June 2025|work=Institute for the Study of War}} By May 8, geolocated footage showed that Russian forces have advanced to central Loknya.{{Cite web |last1=Harward |first1=Christina |last2=Mappes |first2=Grace |last3=Gibson |first3=Olivia |last4=Novikov |first4=Daria |last5=Harvey |first5=Anna |last6=Kagan |first6=Frederick W. |last7=Runkel |first7=William |date=8 May 2025|title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, May 8, 2025 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-may-8-2025|access-date=29 May 2025|work=Institute for the Study of War}} Russian troops took full control of Loknya by 25 May.{{Cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-says-it-captures-3-more-settlements-east-ukraine-2025-05-24/|title=Russia says it captures 3 more settlements in east Ukraine|author=|website=Reuters|date=25 May 2025|access-date=29 May 2025}}

On May 26, geolocated footage showed that Russian forces seized Bilovody, northeast of Sumy.{{cite web |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, May 26, 2025 |url=https://understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-may-26-2025 |website=Institute for the Study of War}} Two days later, a Russian source claimed that Russian forces seized Kostyantynivka and Vodolahy, north of Sumy City but there was no footage to confirm that.{{cite web |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, May 28, 2025 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-may-28-2025 |website=Institute for the Study of War}} On May 31, the Russian ministry of defense announced that it had taken control of the village of Vodolahy.{{cite web |title=Russia seizes more Ukrainian territory amid fears of fresh ground offensive, May 31, 2025 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/31/russia-seizes-more-ukrainian-territory-amid-fears-of-fresh-ground-offensive |website=The Guardian|date=31 May 2025 |last1=Christou |first1=William }}

On June 1, a Ukrainian source indicated Russian control over the settlements of Oleksiivka, Varachyne, Yablunivka and Novomykolaivka.{{Cite web |title=шо на фронті |url=https://t.me/c/1943331359/3885 |access-date=2025-06-01 |website=Telegram}} On June 2, Ukrainian political scientist Viktor Bobyrenko said that Russian forces have took the village of Kindrativka located south of Kostyantynivka.{{Cite web|title=На Сумщині ворог наступає не так, як на Покровському напрямку, - політолог Бобиренко|lang=uk|work=Espresso|date=2025-06-02|accessdate=2025-06-02|first=Irena|last=Molyar|url-status=live|archivedate=2025-06-02|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20250602223717/https://espreso.tv/viyna-z-rosiyeyu-na-sumshchini-vorog-nastupae-ne-tak-yak-na-pokrovskomu-napryamku-politolog-bobirenko|url=https://espreso.tv/viyna-z-rosiyeyu-na-sumshchini-vorog-nastupae-ne-tak-yak-na-pokrovskomu-napryamku-politolog-bobirenko|trans-title=In Sumy region, the enemy is not advancing in the same way as in the Pokrovsky direction, - political scientist Bobyrenko}}

On June 5, Ruslan Mykula, co-founder of the independent Ukrainian intelligence service DeepState UA, said that the main target of the incursion was the strategically important village of Yunakivka. Mykula believed capturing Yunakivka would provide forest cover for Russian infantry and fire control over Sumy city.{{cite web |title=How dangerous is Russia's advance on Ukraine's Sumy region?, June 5, 2025 |url=https://www.dw.com/en/how-dangerous-is-russias-advance-on-ukraines-sumy-region/a-72805880 |website=DW}} In the latest report of the war by DeepState, it assessed that Russian forces occupied the villages of Kindrativka and Oleksiivka, making Russian forces within 20 kilometres of Sumy proper and Sumy within range of artillery shelling and Russian FPV drone attacks.[https://newsukraine.rbc.ua/news/russian-forces-20-km-from-sumy-officials-1749482569.html Russian forces 20 km from Sumy: Officials weigh FPV drone threat][https://english.nv.ua/nation/fight-for-sumy-russian-troops-20-km-from-city-deepstate-says-50520330.html Russian troops advance near Sumy, drone strikes expected][https://espreso.tv/viyna-z-rosiyeyu-deepstate-rosiyani-zmozhut-biti-fpv-dronami-po-sumakh DeepState: Russians will be able to strike Sumy with FPV drones] DeepState also said that Russia is advancing to Sadky located southeast of Yunakivka for forest cover which "will be extremely difficult to knock it out of there" if Russia succeeds. {{cite web | url=https://t.me/DeepStateUA/21970 | title=✙DeepState✙🇺🇦 }}[https://mezha.net/eng/bukvy/new-red-zone-declared-near-sadky-village-in-sumy-region-amid-russian-military-activity/ New Red Zone Declared Near Sadky Village in Sumy Region Amid Russian Military Activity] Ukrainian member of parliament Maryana Bezuglaya and former spokesman for the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Vladislav Seleznyov said that all residents of Sumy must either join the defence forces or evacuate the city.[https://fakti.bg/en/world/976917-the-battle-for-sumy-ukrainian-mp-calls-for-evacuation-of-all-who-cannot-fight-against-the-russians The Battle for Sumy! Ukrainian MP calls for evacuation of all who cannot fight against the Russians]

On June 7-8, Russian forces moved into central Yunakivka.[https://www.yahoo.com/news/russia-attempts-capture-yunakivka-pysarivka-082157018.html Russia attempts to capture Yunakivka and Pysarivka in Sumy Oblast] On June 10, Russian forces took the highway in Yunakivka, cutting the town off of supplies and its logistics.[https://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/1078770.html Russian invaders advance in Sumy region - DeepState][https://antikor.com.ua/en/articles/773390-rf%20prodvinulasj%20v%20sumskoj%20oblasti%20pererezana%20logistika%20junakovki%20nastuplenie%20na%20jablonovku The Russian Federation advanced in the Sumy region: the logistics of Yunakivka were cut off, an offensive on Yablunivka ]

Opposing forces

= Russia =

The 810th Naval Infantry Brigade was the first Russian unit known to have entered the Sumy Oblast when it was reported in mid-February that some of its units had crossed the border and entered the village of {{ill|Basivka, Sumy Oblast|lt=Basivka|uk|Басівка (Сумська область)}}.{{cite web|date=19 February 2025|access-date=28 March 2025|url=https://understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-february-19-2025|title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, February 19, 2025|website=Institute for the Study of War|first1=Nicole|last1=Wolkov|first2=Christina|last2=Harward|first3=Grace|last3=Mappes|first4=Frederick W.|last4=Kagan}} Amid their operations in Sumy Oblast throughout February and March, other elements of the 810th Brigade have remained in the area of Guyevo, Plekhovo, and {{ill|Kurilovka, Kursk Oblast|lt=Kurilovka|ru|Куриловка (Курская область)}} in the Kursk Oblast.{{cite web|date=7 March 2025|access-date=28 March 2025|url=https://understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-march-7-2025|title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, March 7, 2025|website=Institute for the Study of War|first1=Angelica|last1=Evans|first2=Nicole|last2=Wolkov|first3=Olivia|last3=Gibson|first4=George|last4=Barros|first5=Frederick W.|last5=Kagan|first6=Nate|last6=Trotter|first7=William|last7=Runkel}}

{{cite web|date=8 March 2025|access-date=28 March 2025|url=https://understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-march-8-2025|title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, March 8, 2025|

website=Institute for the Study of War|first1=Christina|last1=Harward|first2=Angelica|last2=Evans|first3=Olivia|last3=Gibson|first4=George|last4=Barros|first5=Frederick W.|last5=Kagan|first6=William|last6=Runkel}}

By early March, it was widely reported that the 83rd Air Assault Brigade, which had taken the Russian border village of Nikolayevo-Darino in January,{{cite web|date=28 January 2025|access-date=28 March 2025|url=https://understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-january-28-2025|title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, January 28, 2025|website=Institute for the Study of War|first1=Christina|last1=Harward|first2=Angelica|last2=Evans|first3=Nicole|last3=Wolkov|first4=Grace|last4=Mappes|first5=Kateryna|last5=Stepanenko|first6=Karolina|last6=Hard|first7=George|last7=Barros|first8=Nate|last8=Trotter}} was operating around the neighboring village of {{ill|Zhuravka, Sumy Oblast|lt=Zhuravka|uk|Журавка (Сумський район)}} in Sumy Oblast,{{cite web|date=1 March 2025|access-date=28 March 2025|url=https://understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-march-1-2025|title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, March 1, 2025|website=Institute for the Study of War|first1=Davit|last1=Gasparyan|first2=Angelica|last2=Evans|first3=Grace|last3=Mappes|first4=Olivia|last4=Gibson|first5=Frederick W.|last5=Kagan|first6=William|last6=Runkel}}{{cite web|date=2 March 2025|access-date=28 March 2025|url=https://understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-march-2-2025|title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, March 2, 2025|website=Institute for the Study of War|first1=Christina|last1=Harward|first2=Angelica|last2=Evans|first3=Grace|last3=Mappes|first4=Olivia|last4=Gibson|first5=Frederick W.|last5=Kagan|first6=William|last6=Runkel}}{{cite web|date=3 March 2025|access-date=28 March 2025|url=https://understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-march-3-2025|title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, March 3, 2025|website=Institute for the Study of War|first1=Christina|last1=Harward|first2=Angelica|last2=Evans|first3=Grace|last3=Mappes|first4=Nicole|last4=Wolkov|first5=Daria|last5=Novikov|first6=George|last6=Barros}}{{cite web|date=4 March 2025|access-date=28 March 2025|url=https://understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-march-4-2025|title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, March 4, 2025|website=Institute for the Study of War|first1=Karolina|last1=Hird|first2=Grace|last2=Mappes|first3=Kateryna|last3=Stepanenko|first4=Christina|last4=Harward|first5=Davit|last5=Gasparyan|first6=Daria|last6=Novikov|first7=Frederick W.|last7=Kagan|first8=Nate|last8=Trotter}} where it remained throughout the month.{{cite web|date=10 March 2025|access-date=28 March 2025|url=https://understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-march-10-2025|title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, March 10, 2025|website=Institute for the Study of War|first1=Christina|last1=Harward|first2=Nicole|last2=Wolkov|first3=Angelica|last3=Evans|first4=Olivia|last4=Gibson|first5=Daria|last5=Novikov|first6=Frederick W.|last6=Kagan|first7=Nate|last7=Trotter}}{{cite web|date=26 March 2025|access-date=28 March 2025|url=https://understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-march-26-2025|title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, March 26, 2025|website=Institute for the Study of War|first1=Nicole|last1=Wolkov|first2=Grace|last2=Mappes|first3=Davit|last3=Gasparyan|first4=Daria|last4=Novikov|first5=Kateryna|last5=Stepanenko|first6=Nate|last6=Trotter}}

By 22 February, it had been reported that the 56th Air Assault Regiment was operating near the border village of Novenke, in Sumy Oblast.{{cite web|date=22 February 2025|access-date=28 March 2025|url=https://understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-february-22-2025|title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, February 22, 2025|website=Institute for the Study of War|first1=Nicole|last1=Wolkov|first2=Angelica|last2=Evans|first3=Olivia|last3=Gibson|first4=Davit|last4=Gasparyan|first5=Frederick W.|last5=Kagan|first6=Nate|last6=Trotter|first7=William|last7=Runkel}}

Throughout March 2025, it was reported that units of the regiment, including its drone units,

{{cite web|date=22 March 2025|access-date=28 March 2025|

url=https://understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-march-22-2025|title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, March 22, 2025|website=Institute for the Study of War|first1=Christina|last1=Harward|first2=Karolina|last2=Hird|first3=Nicole|last3=Wolkov|first4=George|last4=Barros|first5=Frederick W.|last5=Kagan|first6=William|last6=Runkel}} were operating within Sumy Oblast and along the international border.{{cite web|date=16 March 2025|access-date=28 March 2025|url=https://understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-march-16-2025|title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, March 16, 2025|website=Institute for the Study of War|first1=Nicole|last1=Wolkov|first2=Angelica|last2=Evans|first3=Grace|last3=Mappes|first4=Olivia|last4=Gibson|first5=Frederick W.|last5=Kagan|first6=Nate|last6=Trotter|first7=William|last7=Runkel}}

By late March, it was reported that the {{ill|51st Airborne Regiment|uk|51-й парашутно-десантний полк (РФ)}}, which had been located in the Russian border villages of {{ill|Sverdlikovo, Kursk Oblast|lt=Sverdlikovo|ru|Свердликово (Курская область)}} and {{ill|Lebedevka, Kursk Oblast|lt=Lebedevka|ru|Лебедевка (Курская область)}} the previous month,{{cite web|date=20 February 2025|access-date=28 March 2025|url=https://understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-february-20-2025|title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, February 20, 2025|website=Institute for the Study of War|first1=Grace|last1=Mappes|first2=Davit|last2=Gasparyan|first3=Nicole|last3=Wolkov|first4=Christina|last4=Harward|first5=Karolina|last5=Hird|first6=George|last6=Barros|first7=William|last7=Runkel}}{{cite web|date=23 February 2025|access-date=28 March 2025|

url=https://understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-february-23-2025|title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, February 23, 2025|website=Institute for the Study of War|first1=Nicole|last1=Wolkov|first2=Angelica|last2=Evans|first3=Olivia|last3=Gibson|first4=George|last4=Barros|first5=William|last5=Runkel}}

had taken control of most of Basivka{{cite web|date=23 March 2025|access-date=28 March 2025|url=https://understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-march-23-2025|title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, March 23, 2025|website=Institute for the Study of War|first1=Grace|last1=Mappes|first2=Olivia|last2=Gibson|first3=Christina|last3=Harward|first4=George|last4=Barros|first5=William|last5=Runkel}} and was present near the Sudzha border post.

{{cite web|

date=24 March 2025|

access-date=28 March 2025|

url=https://understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-march-24-2025|

title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, March 24, 2025|

website=Institute for the Study of War|first1=Christina|last1=Harward|first2=Angelica|last2=Evans|first3=Grace|last3=Mappes|first4=Olivia|last4=Gibson|first5=Daria|last5=Novikov|first6=George|last6=Barros|first7=Nate|last7=Trotter}}

It was reported in late March that elements of the 34th Mountain Motor Rifle Brigade had advanced near the Ukrainian border village of Veselivka, after having taken part in an operation to capture the village of Malaya Loknya in Kursk Oblast earlier in the month.{{cite web|date=9 March 2025|access-date=28 March 2025|url=https://understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-march-9-2025|title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, March 9, 2025|website=Institute for the Study of War|first1=Angelica|last1=Evans|first2=Nicole|last2=Wolkov|first3=Christina|last3=Harward|first4=Olivia|last4=Gibson|first5=George|last5=Barros|first6=Nate|last6=Trotter|first7=William|last7=Runkel}}

On April 5, it was reported that the "Tigers" drone detachment of the 83rd Airborne Brigade were using fibre optic FPV drones at the Kursk-Sumy border.{{Cite web |title=Institute for the Study of War |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-april-5-2025 |access-date=2025-04-06 |website=Institute for the Study of War |language=en}}

= Ukraine =

Units of Ukraine's 36th Marine Brigade repelled a Russian assault (which they claimed involved North Korean forces) between Sverdlikovo and Novenke in mid-March 2025.{{cite web|website=Militarnyi|access-date=29 March 2025|date=13 March 2025|title=Russians and North Koreans attack near Basivka in the Sumy region|url=https://mil.in.ua/en/news/russians-and-north-koreans-attack-near-basivka-in-the-sumy-region/}} The 36th Brigade was still in defense of the border villages of Sumy Oblast by the end of March 2025.{{cite web|website=Militarnyi|language=uk|date=28 March 2025|access-date=29 March 2025|title=Росіяни намагаються закріпитися у прикордонних селах Сумщини|url=https://mil.in.ua/uk/news/rosiyany-namagayutsya-zakripytysya-u-prykordonnyh-selah-sumshhyny/}}

By late March, the 103rd Territorial Defense Brigade was operating in a border village in Sumy Oblast.{{cite web|url=https://mil.in.ua/uk/news/na-sumshhyni-dekilka-bijtsiv-vzyaly-u-polon-tsile-viddilennya-rosiyan/|website=Militarnyi|language=uk|access-date=29 March 2025|date=28 March 2025|title=На Сумщині декілька бійців взяли у полон ціле відділення росіян}}

Ukraine's 78th Airborne Assault Regiment repelled a Russian attempt to cross the state border near the village of Zhuravka in February 2025.

Throughout March, the 15th Mobile Border Detachment of Ukraine's State Border Guard Service engaged in combat with Russian forces on the border of the Sumy Oblast.{{cite web|date=3 March 2025|access-date=29 March 2025|title=Прикордонники нищать ворожі укриття, де ховаються окупанти на Сумському напрямку|first=Anhelina |last=Shorokhova |website=Censor.net|language=uk|url=https://censor.net/ua/videonews/3539002/prykordonnyky-nyschat-voroji-ukryttya-de-hovayutsya-okupanty}}{{cite web|title=Українські дрони наздоганяють і знищують окупантів, які пересуваються на квадроциклах|website=Censor.net|language=uk|access-date=29 March 2025|date=9 March 2025|url=https://censor.net/ua/news/3540188/prykordonnyky-atakuyut-dronamy-okupantiv-na-kvadrotsyklah|first=Olha|last=Herhelyuk}}

On March 21, the Ukrainian media outlet Ukrainska Pravda interviewed soldiers from the 67th Mechanized Brigade who had been deployed to defend the villages of Zhuravka, Novenke, and the surrounding area of Basivka.{{Cite web |title=What happened in Russia's Kursk Oblast during the last month of defence |url=https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/articles/2025/03/21/7503853/ |access-date=2025-05-21 |website=Ukrainska Pravda |language=en}}

On 4 April, soldiers from the Izmail Border Detachment of Ukraine's State Border Guard Service caught a lost Russian soldier who was delivering food supplies to his unit.{{Cite web |date=2025-04-04 |title=Блукав півтори доби: на Сумському напрямку взяли в полон військового РФ |url=https://www.ukrinform.ua/rubric-ato/3978500-blukav-pivtori-dobi-na-sumskomu-napramku-vzali-v-polon-vijskovogo-rf.html |access-date=2025-04-12 |website=www.ukrinform.ua |language=uk}}

On 6 April, the 4th Special Purpose Regiment pushed back Russian troops who tried to attack Loknya.{{Cite web |last=Vorona |first=Kateryna |date=2025-04-08 |title=Біля Журавки на Сумщині збільшилась "сіра" зона — дані DeepState |url=https://suspilne.media/sumy/989623-bila-zuravki-na-sumsini-zbilsilas-sira-zona-dani-deepstate/ |access-date=2025-04-08 |website=Suspilne |language=uk}}

Casualties

= Civilian casualties =

On 12 March, Russia carried out mortar and artillery attacks on the Myropillia hromada, injuring an adult man.{{Cite web |title=Five children injured due to Russian air strike on Sumy border |url=https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2024/03/12/7446176/index.amp |access-date=2025-03-29 |website=www.pravda.com.ua}}

On 22 March, Ukrainian media reported that the Ukraine's State Emergency Service evacuated 31 people—including three children—from the border area of Sumy Oblast.{{Cite web |date=2025-03-22 |title=Rescuers evacuate over 30 people from Sumy region's border area |url=https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3973748-rescuers-evacuate-over-30-people-from-sumy-regions-border-area.html |access-date=2025-03-29 |website=www.ukrinform.net |language=en}} On 30 March, while Ukraine's State Emergency Service was evacuating civilians from the Sumy border region, Russian forces launched an attack in the area, leaving one man injured.{{Cite web |title=Russians injure civilian during evacuation in Sumy Oblast – video |url=https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2025/03/30/7505258/ |access-date=2025-03-30 |website=Ukrainska Pravda |language=en}}

On 12 April, during an interview with Ukrainian media, Volodymyr Artiukh, head of the Sumy Regional Military Administration, said that 15,000 people had been evacuated from the Krasnopillia, Myropillia, Yunakivka, and Khotin communities.{{Cite web |date=2025-04-12 |title=Sumy region increases number of settlements subject to evacuation |url=https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3980994-sumy-region-increases-number-of-settlements-subject-to-evacuation.html |access-date=2025-04-12 |website=www.ukrinform.net |language=en}}

On 8 May 2025, Russia reportedly violated its own ceasefire for Victory Day when Russian forces dropped guided bombs on residential areas near the border in Sumy Oblast leaving 1 person dead and 2 wounded.{{cite web |title=Ukraine accuses Russia of violating its own truce over 700 times as Kyiv ratifies US minerals deal |url=https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-ceasefire-89aa0cf9123ca8a55eec9dd8713a4e7b |website=AP News|date=8 May 2025 }}

= Military casualties =

== Russian ==

On 12 March, the spokesperson for the State Border Guard Service, Andrii Demchenko, claimed that around 20 Russian soldiers were killed near the border area, while approximately 15 others were wounded.{{Cite web |title=Russian Forces Attempting to Cross Border in Sumy Region - Oj |url=https://odessa-journal.com/the-russian-forces-are-trying-to-break-through-the-border-in-sumy-region-near-novenky |access-date=2025-03-29 |website=odessa-journal.com |language=en}}

On 4 April , soldiers from the Izmail detachment of Ukraine's State Border Guard Service captured a Russian soldier. On 8 April, Rangers from the 4th Regiment of Ukraine's Armed Forces Special Operations Forces grabbed another Russian soldier while clearing the settlement of Loknya.{{Cite web |date=2025-04-08 |title=During settlement clearing, SOF soldiers eliminated enemy personnel and captured documents |url=https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3979633-during-settlement-clearing-sof-soldiers-eliminated-enemy-personnel-and-captured-documents.html |access-date=2025-04-12 |website=www.ukrinform.net |language=en}}

== Ukrainian ==

On 7 June 2025, Yaroslav Yakimkin, head of the press center for the Russian Northern Group, claimed that 255 Ukrainian soldiers had become casualties while Ukrainian forces also lost 4 combat vehicles, 14 vehicles, 3 field guns, 1 electronic warfare station, and 1 ammunition depot.

Analysis

When soldiers from the 67th Mechanized Brigade, stationed to defend the villages of Zhuravka, Novenke, and the area around Basivka, were interviewed by Ukrainska Pravda on March 21, they shared their views on the current situation. They believe that the primary objective of Russia’s operations in the Sumy Oblast is to push Ukrainian forces back from the Kursk Oblast and, more importantly, to cut off access to the main logistical route connecting Sumy, Yunakivka, and Sudzha. According to them, a large-scale assault on the Sumy Oblast—particularly from the direction of Basivka, where Ukrainian defenses have been fortified—is not necessarily the main scenario Russia is pursuing on that front.

According to Ukrainian People's Deputy Roman Kostenko, the Russian incursion into Sumy Oblast was improvised rather than part of a premeditated strategic plan. Kostenko stated that Ukrainian forces had expected to hold their defensive positions in Kursk, believing Russian troops would be directed toward Pokrovsk instead. However, this expectation was upended at the last moment. "Something happened that was not planned. No one planned that they would now withdraw (the Ukrainian Armed Forces from Kursk – ed.), and the enemy would advance. This decided the battlefield. If there was an opportunity to hold the battlefield in the direction of Kursk, we would have held it, but, unfortunately, we could not," says Kostenko.[https://espreso.tv/viyna-z-rosiyeyu-nastup-rf-na-sumshchini-tse-zvorotniy-efekt-kurskoi-operatsii-nardep-kostenko The Russian offensive in Sumy region is a reverse effect of the Kursk operation, - People's Deputy Kostenko]

Analysts have noted that the Russian advance in Sumy Oblast differs in both pace and character from other fronts. Retired Ukrainian major Ihor Lapin and political analyst Viktor Bobyrenko, head of the Expert Group at the Bureau of Policy Analysis, observed that Russian troops—despite a reported force of 50,000 near the Kursk border[https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9vn1x23x88o Zelensky says Russia has 50,000 troops in Kursk][https://euromaidanpress.com/2025/05/28/zelenskyy-50000-russian-troops-mass-near-sumy-bordering-russias-kursk-for-new-offensive/ Zelenskyy: 50,000 Russian troops mass near Sumy bordering Russia’s Kursk for new offensive]—are advancing in small infantry groups, often using motorcycles. This tactic is considered effective in the Sumy region due to the area's dense forests, wetlands, and other natural obstacles that limit the utility of heavy armored vehicles and heavy equipment.[https://global.espreso.tv/russia-ukraine-war-if-russian-troops-take-yunakivka-and-nearby-heights-sumy-will-be-hit-by-fpv-drones If Russia breaks through Yunakivka, FPV drones may devastate Sumy — Ukrainian major]

Bobyrenko desbribed the situation: "It is clear that tanks will not pass here, this is an infantry war, DRG. If the enemy crosses the highway and enters the forest zone, not just forest belts like in the east, but classic forests, then the problem will be that this is solid greenery, and we will not be able to drive them away with drones. The enemy from the northeast reached the outskirts of Yunakivka, and from the northwest - already in Kindrativka, respectively, there are 10 km left to Khotin, where there are forests. In Sumy region, the number of forests is greater than near Pokrovsk or somewhere in the Zaporizhia direction, so for the summer offensive of the invader this may be an advantage, because here the most effective technical means is a moped or feet."