Russian push into Sumy Oblast stalls after Hrabovske

Hrabovske, located in the Krasnopillia community, lies directly on the state border — one of many settlements along the frontier.

“As for the Russian forces that entered the village and are trying to move deeper into Ukrainian territory, they are failing,” he said.

“All components of the Defense Forces — including Ukrainian Armed Forces units and Border Guard units — are preventing this, using artillery and unmanned aerial vehicles.”

He added that when Russian troops launched these actions, Ukrainian forces were forced to withdraw from some positions.

“At the same time, I want to stress once again: the enemy has been unable to advance beyond this settlement,” Demchenko said.

“Fire strikes are being carried out against them, and Ukrainian troops are holding their positions.”

On Dec. 23, Ukrainian officials reported that around 100 Russian soldiers entered the border village of Hrabovske after attacks on Dec. 20–21, attempting to move toward the nearby village of Riasne.