Russian forces have reportedly created a local encirclement northeast of Sumy, according to military sources cited by Voennoye Obozreniye.

The publication said Russian units launched converging attacks from the directions of Yunakovka and Mogritsa, closing the ring around part of the Ukrainian force deployed in the area.

Several units of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and the country’s border service were reportedly trapped. They had recently been transferred closer to Sadki, near the border with the Kursk region, to reinforce defenses in that sector.

Voennoye Obozreniye estimated the territory inside the pocket at roughly 45 square kilometres. The situation could become even more difficult for the Ukrainian command if the surrounded units draw in reserves stationed farther west. Those forces currently protect the northeastern flank of Sumy.

The Ukrainian leadership now faces two high-risk options. Refusing to launch a relief operation near Sadki could result in the encircled troops being captured or destroyed.

However, moving units from the Nikolskoye and Bititsa areas to break through the ring would also carry serious risks. Such a redeployment could allow Russian forces to strike from the east while increasing pressure on Sumy from the north.

An additional threat comes from the bridgehead previously established by Russian troops beyond the Oleshnya River near Izbitskoye. Its position makes the area a potential route for a further advance toward Sumy.

According to the publication, newly appointed Ukrainian commander-in-chief Mikhail Drapaty will soon have to decide how to respond to the developing situation.

The Russian Defense Ministry announced on July 30 that Mogritsa had come under Russian control. The ministry also reported the capture of Yurchenkovo, Malaya Slobodka and Krasnoyarskoye on the same day.