Russian armed forces are conducting a large-scale offensive toward Sumy. According to Ukrainian Pravda, citing intelligence assessments from the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Russian troop numbers in the area have been increasing on a monthly basis since the autumn of 2025.

The report notes that Russian units are pushing toward a vast, densely wooded area located northwest of Sumy, an objective that could significantly alter the character of fighting in the region.

The main axis of the Russian advance remains a section of the front previously taken between the villages of Alekseevka, Yablonovka, and Yunakovka. From this line, there are three separate routes that allow movement toward Khotin, Pisarevka, and Novaya Sech. A secondary, less prominent direction of advance has also been identified near Miropolye.

For Ukrainian forces, pressure along these sectors carries particular risks. If combat shifts from the villages currently used for defensive positions into the forested terrain, the task of holding the line would become considerably more difficult. Fighting would move away from open, flat ground into thick woodland cut by deep ravines.

The publication draws a comparison to the Serebryanskoye forestry area, suggesting that Ukraine could face a similar operational challenge in Sumy Region.

Ukrainian military intelligence also warns that forcing Russian units out of extensive forest cover would be extremely difficult. The dense vegetation conceals not only troop movements but also defensive positions, making detection and counteraction far more complex.