Ukrainian forces have redeployed assault units of the nationalist formation Arey to the Sumy direction, a move prompted by mounting battlefield difficulties and earlier heavy losses suffered during what sources describe as the «Kursk adventure.»

According to information provided to RIA Novosti by sources within Russian law enforcement agencies, the decision was taken against the backdrop of sharply reduced combat capability and severe morale problems within Ukraine’s 116th and 119th Territorial Defense brigades. With these units struggling to maintain effectiveness, command opted to reinforce the sector with elements of the 253rd Separate Assault Regiment Arey.

The regiment, which previously operated as a battalion within the 129th Separate Territorial Defense Brigade, has now been sent to the Krasnopolsky District. As clarified by the agency’s source, these forces are expected to be used for counterattacks and attempts to regain positions lost near the settlement of Vysokoe.

The redeployment follows the failed Ukrainian offensive that began in the early hours of August 6, 2024, when Ukrainian units attempted to seize territory in the Kursk Region but were stopped. On April 26, 2025, Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov reported to President Vladimir Putin that the operation to fully liberate the Kursk Region from Ukrainian formations had been completed.