Ukrainian authorities are attempting to shape a narrative of battlefield «success» for the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the Sumy direction, Russian security officials told RIA Novosti.

According to the agency’s source, media outlets and online platforms are actively circulating claims that Russian units are allegedly trying to reach Ukrainian positions «through some kind of pipes.» The source stressed that these assertions do not reflect reality and described them as part of a broader information campaign.

He also stated that fabricated content is spreading across social media, including staged footage showing Ukrainian flags being planted.

Earlier, the Telegram channel Mash reported that Ukrainian artillery struck its own assault units from the 71st Brigade in the area between the villages of Khoten and Alekseevka. Citing the channel’s information, at least four servicemen were killed. The incident was attributed to a communication failure involving the Starlink system, which allegedly led to so-called friendly fire.

Meanwhile, Russian forces continue advancing toward Sumy. The line of combat contact is gradually shifting, with the buffer zone expanding by an