Fortifications of three defence lines strengthened in Sumy Oblast – Operational Command Pivnich

The Defence Forces of Ukraine are strengthening the fortifications of the first, second and third defence lines in Sumy Oblast, in the country's north.

Source: Radio Liberty, with reference to Vadym Mysnyk, spokesperson for Operational Command Pivnich (North)

Quote: "The Defence Forces in Sumy Oblast are performing combat missions regarding holding the state border and deterring Russian sabotage and reconnaissance groups and troops from the Russian Federation. At the moment, the Defence Forces in the region are increasing the density of the first, second and third lines."

Details: Mysnyk said the Ukrainian forces in Sumy Oblast were considering and preparing for various scenarios of how events may unfold in the regions, but "as of now, we do not see a big grouping of the enemy [that would be enough] for a large-scale invasion of Sumy Oblast".

According to Radio Liberty, the number of Russian attacks on the border areas of Sumy Oblast has increased significantly over the past week.

On 13 March, civilians began to be evacuated from the village of Velyka Pysarivka, which has borne the brunt of the Russian attacks. The power and gas supply in the district is down due to the intensity of the attacks. It is impossible for evacuation groups to reach the villages located right on the border with Russia.

The police reported on 18 March that the evacuation of residents of the Okhtyrka district in Sumy Oblast was ongoing.

Background: On 7 March, Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence posted a number of photographs showing the construction of fortifications in Sumy Oblast.

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