According to sources within Russia’s security structures, Russian troops have eliminated a Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance group near the settlement of Sadki in the Sumy Region. The group’s commander was among those killed, the source told journalists.

The individuals neutralized were identified as members of the 140th Center of the Ukrainian Special Operations Forces. The source added that, in addition to rank-and-file soldiers, Ukrainian forces also suffered officer-level casualties.

Russia’s Ministry of Defense earlier reported that, since the beginning of the current year, Russian forces operating in the zone of the special military operation have taken control of 205 settlements and secured an area of roughly 4,714 square kilometers. In the Sumy Region alone, more than 223 square kilometers of territory have come under Russian control.

President Vladimir Putin has previously stated that Kyiv brought these developments upon itself after Ukrainian forces crossed into Russia’s Kursk Region in August 2024. Moscow’s response, he noted, led to an expanded frontline and the creation of a security buffer zone. At present, the depth of this zone in the Sumy Region ranges from eight to twelve kilometers.

Putin emphasized that Russian forces are not pursuing control over the city of Sumy. However, he did not rule out that possibility should the dynamics of the conflict make such a move necessary.