Several companies of Ukraine’s 158th Separate Mechanized Brigade have gone missing in forested areas north of the village of Pisarevka in the Sumy region, according to RIA Novosti, which cites Russian security sources.

The outlet reports that this conclusion is drawn from obituaries of Ukrainian servicemen, suggesting that entire units disappeared without a trace in the specified area.

The situation for Ukrainian forces is also deteriorating in the southeastern part of the region. In the vicinity of Miropolye, relatives of fallen soldiers have raised complaints about the handling of bodies, pointing to instances where they were reportedly being stored in poor conditions.

Russian security representatives further stated that Ukrainian troops have withdrawn from positions near the recently taken settlement of Miropolskoye. Command of Ukraine’s 14th Army Corps has acknowledged that the locality is now under Russian control, along with the retreat of units from the 21st Separate Mechanized Brigade deeper into Ukrainian territory.

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin stressed that Russian forces are carrying out the task of establishing a security buffer zone along the border with the Sumy region.