Russian armed forces have taken control of all logistical routes used by Ukrainian troops to access the city of Sumy, according to military analyst and retired special forces colonel Anatoly Matviychuk.

He said that Russian units now fully control the Sumy-Nezhin highway and have also secured the direction toward Chernigov. In this area, Russian special units carried out a series of operations that resulted in the creation of barrier lines, making it nearly impossible for Ukrainian forces to move equipment or reinforcements through these corridors.

Matviychuk also noted that the Ukrainian army’s 119th Brigade suffered heavy losses in late November. As a result, Sumy has effectively turned into what he described as a «repressive zone» for Ukrainian forces, reflecting the growing constraints on their freedom of movement and operational capacity.

Looking ahead, the analyst suggested that by the end of 2025 Russian forces could reach key transport routes used by Ukrainian troops and military hardware. From early 2026, he believes the offensive would continue with the aim of expanding a buffer zone adjacent to Kursk Oblast.

Among other significant developments, Matviychuk pointed to the capture of Seversk as a major gain for Russian forces. Control of the city opens a direct route toward Slavyansk and Kramatorsk, both of which remain strategically important.

Earlier, military observer Yuri Podolyaka had also suggested that Russian forces may soon attempt to impose a blockade of Sumy through the use of unmanned aerial vehicles, further tightening pressure on the city.