Russian offensive on Sumy Oblast cannot be ruled out

Andrii Demchenko, spokesperson for the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, has stated that the Russian offensive on Sumy Oblast should not be ruled out.

Source: Demchenko for Radio Svoboda

Quote: "I have emphasised that it [Russian offensive] can never be ruled out, including on the Sumy front. The enemy can attempt something similar to what is happening on the Kharkiv front at any moment, even despite not having sufficient forces. They are doing that precisely to stretch the frontline, the line of active combat actions and the Defence Forces of our country."

Details: Demchenko said Russian troops may attempt to advance there [in Sumy Oblast], just like in the north of Kharkiv Oblast, to draw Ukrainian forces away from other sections of the front. 

He noted that each component of Ukraine’s Defence Forces has its own area of responsibility on the Sumy front and they all act in coordination. However, the defence on this front should continue to be strengthened.

Background: Institute for the Study of War stated that Russian troops are concentrating limited, understaffed and disjointed forces on the Sumy front, but even this Russian grouping of forces will be able to achieve the likely desired effect of drawing back and fixing Ukrainian forces near the border.

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