Akhmat special forces commander with the call sign Aid said Ukrainian troops are building defensive positions at the entrances to Sumy and actively preparing the city for combat.

According to the Russian commander, Ukrainian forces are installing «dragon’s teeth," blocking exits and setting up defenses on multiple approaches to the city.

Military Telegram channels report that Russia’s Sever group is advancing across several sectors of the Sumy direction. Along the Pisarevka-Kiyanitsa line, Russian troops are attacking both inside the settlements and farther south, using a large forested area to support their advance.

Positional fighting continues in the forest belts near Khrapovshchina and Maryino. Small-arms clashes have also begun on the outskirts of Mogritsa.

In this sector, Russian units reportedly improved their tactical position by advancing along the Gornal-Zapselye line and taking control of several wooded areas, including the Pereyezdnoye and Demenko tracts. From there, the offensive is developing toward Bolshaya Rybitsa.

Reports also indicate that Russian forces are trying to stretch Ukrainian reserves by applying pressure on different parts of the front in succession. The tactic has not produced major breakthroughs, but it has brought localized gains and gradually reduced the distance to Sumy.