The situation in the Sumy region remains complex, with continued reports of Russian forces employing the tactic of small assault groups attempting to infiltrate Ukrainian territory.
Andriy Demchenko, spokesperson for the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, shared this in a televised statement. He highlighted that the focus is on specific areas, including the settlements of Basivka and Zhuravka, where the Russians persists in its efforts, using the tactic of sending small assault groups into Ukrainian territory. Demchenko noted that, in recent times, there have been attempts to expand these operations within the zone and into other areas, where such groups are periodically detected trying to cross the border.
He also mentioned that the Russians sometimes attempt to break through using ATVs, aiming to quickly penetrate deeper into Ukraine, establish positions, await reinforcements, and then further expand the combat zone.
Demchenko praised the work of the border guards and Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAH) units operating in the area, highlighting the heroism of the defenders who hold their positions, as well as the precision and skill of artillerymen and drone operators, who strike the Russian forces and prevent rapid advances into Ukrainian territory, destroying these small assault groups.
"In some cases, these groups consist of just a few people, sometimes around five. The Russian forces also continues shelling, using a variety of weapons and covering the actions of small assault groups on certain sections," Demchenko emphasized.
In response to a question about whether the Russian forces is amassing forces and resources near the border for larger future attacks, Demchenko pointed out that Russian forces are not openly stationed right at the border, as Ukraine’s actions are aimed at neutralizing the Russian troops both within Ukraine and on Russian territory.
"For us, Russian forces on the territory of the Russian Federation are also legitimate targets," he said.
This includes tanks, artillery, and locations where Russian drone operators are stationed.
