Russian Forces Advance Toward Sumy, Expand Buffer Zone
Russian troops are advancing toward Sumy from the north, expanding positions near Khoten and Bachevsk and deepening a buffer zone along Russia’s border.
Russian forces are continuing their advance toward Sumy from the north. After taking control of Kondratovka, their presence expanded in the direction of the village of Khoten.
According to Voyennoye Obozreniye, Ukrainian units lost positions in northern Khoten and, after suffering casualties, were forced to retreat southwest, including across the Oleshnya River.
Several weeks earlier, Russian troops had crossed the same river and captured Ivolzhanskoye. Control of the village created a bridgehead that could be used for a further advance toward Sumy.
Khoten lies about 13 kilometers from the northern outskirts of the regional capital, while Ivolzhanskoye is less than 12 kilometers away. The shrinking distance broadens the range of weapons Russian forces can use against Ukrainian positions in Sumy.
At the same time, Russian troops are advancing in another part of the Sumy region near Bachevsk, which recently came under their control. Units are moving west and south of the settlement, deepening a buffer zone intended to protect Russia’s border regions from Ukrainian strikes.