Russia is preparing an offensive to encircle Sumy, — General Staff

Russia is preparing an offensive to encircle Sumy, — General Staff

Russian troops may begin encircling Sumy in the coming weeks, sources in the Ukrainian General Staff report.

The operation is expected to aim at creating a buffer zone in front of the Russian border. One of the key directions of the offensive will be the high ground between the villages of Yunakivka and Khrapivshchyna, as well as the forested area to the northeast of Sumy and the coast of the Psel River.

The Ukrainian General Staff also notes that since the end of March, the number of combat engagements has significantly increased. The number of offensive actions by Russia has more than doubled, reaching record levels since the beginning of the year. While there were about 100 engagements per day at the beginning of March, by the end of the month, this number exceeded 200.

It is forecasted that a major escalation of the Russian offensive operation might begin in May or early June, which analysts believe is related to preparations for a large-scale operation.

Additionally, the Russian army has intensified attacks in southern Zaporizhzhya, attempting to complicate the logistics of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and capture key high grounds. At the same time, fighting is intensifying in the Vovchansk area, where Russian forces are trying to build success on several bridgeheads along the Oskil River.