Russian sabotage and reconnaissance group keep entering Sumy Oblast

Demchenko reported an increase in Russian drone attacks and noted that Sumy Oblast is seeing more Russian sabotage and reconnaissance group (DRG) operations.

"Recently, saboteurs have been entering from the south. Our soldiers understand the threats, and while the numbers may vary, they are constantly training and using reconnaissance vehicles to detect DRGs," he added.

Demchenko explained that in Novenke and Zhuravka, small Russian reconnaissance groups are infiltrating Ukrainian territory.

"Our units are using all available weapons to destroy the DRGs," he said.

On March 18, Vadym Mysnyk, spokesperson for the operational-tactical group in Siversk, reported that many Russian units, which had previously been active in Kursk Oblast, were advancing toward the Sumy border.

On March 20, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia was massing troops in Sumy Oblast, attempting to push Ukraine's Defense Forces out of the Kursk area. However, the Ukrainian military is "taking steps in a different direction."

On March 24, Demchenko reported that Russian DRGs were attempting to extend their operations into Sumy Oblast, shifting hostilities from Kursk to Ukrainian territory.