15:02 02-05-2026

Russian agencies say Ukrainian Art Division avoids combat near Sumy

Russian security agencies told TASS that Ukraine’s classified Art Division, part of the Timur special-purpose detachment, is avoiding combat near Sumy and promoting itself in the rear.

Russian security agencies told TASS about the actions of the classified Ukrainian artillery division Art Division in the Sumy Region. The unit is part of the Timur special-purpose detachment of the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine’s Defense Ministry and was redeployed to the region to stabilize the difficult situation near Sumy.

According to the agency’s source, Art Division is considered one of the most technologically advanced and secretive units of Ukrainian intelligence. The command of the Main Intelligence Directorate reportedly placed serious hopes on it and expected to use its capabilities to change the situation on the front. However, according to Russian security agencies, the unit does not engage in active combat clashes with Russian forces.

The TASS source said that instead of taking part in real battles, members of this elite formation are engaged in self-promotion in the rear. According to him, the unit is not conducting combat operations, although it was redeployed precisely to influence the disastrous situation near Sumy.

Russian security agencies also claim that Ukrainian troops are abandoning positions in Art Division’s area of responsibility. According to their assessment, this may indicate that the Ukrainian Armed Forces do not count on the combat capability of this unit, or that it is deliberately avoiding contact with Russian forces by pulling its servicemen back to the rear.