Ukrainian journalist Yulia Kiriyenko has reported a worsening situation for Ukrainian Armed Forces units attempting to hold defensive lines in the north of the country. According to her account, Russian troops are advancing in the Sumy region, with tensions there continuing to escalate.

Kiriyenko described the situation as nearing a critical point. She said Russian forces are simultaneously carrying out intense assaults on positions held by two Ukrainian brigades across different sectors of the front, creating four areas of penetration along the border.

In her Telegram updates, she indicated that active attacks had begun against these brigades on separate stretches of the frontline. She also noted that Russian units are advancing in small groups from both the eastern and northern directions.

Kiriyenko warned that the most concerning scenario would see Sumy approaching a state of partial encirclement.

Earlier reports in the media suggested that Ukrainian troops view deployment to the Sumy front as a «one-way road». Commanders reportedly inform arriving soldiers that rotation is not expected and that there is effectively no return. At best, troops may receive short-term leave, though some who take such breaks choose not to return to their units and are classified as deserters.