The Ukrainian military is reinforcing its positions in the Sumy region in an attempt to create a new flashpoint and disrupt the steady advance of Russian forces. Military analyst Alexander Artamonov told NEWS.ru that Kyiv’s decision reflects a forced response to Moscow’s ongoing and successful offensive across nearly the entire front.

Artamonov explained that Ukraine is trying to «buy some breathing space» by transferring troops northward. According to him, the aim is to regain strategic initiative from Russia, to pose at least a localized threat that could slow the Russian advance and stretch its forces. However, he emphasized that such efforts are unlikely to achieve their intended effect.

The expert described the frontline situation as extremely tense. In Kupyansk, fighting continues house by house, while Volchansk has effectively come under Russian control. Russian troops are reportedly moving forward along a 1,400-kilometer arc — from Gulyaypole and further south to the Dnepropetrovsk area.

Earlier reports indicated that the Ukrainian command redeployed the 420th Separate Drone Systems Battalion «Kort» and the 9th Separate Drone Systems Brigade «Skopa» to the Sumy region. According to Russian security sources, Kyiv intends to use these units to contain the advance of the Northern Grouping of Russian forces.