Russian invaders in Sumy Oblast are retreating after suffering heavy casualties — Center for Countering Disinformation

Andriy Kovalenko, director of the Central Military District, reported on Telegram that desertion cases have been observed in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, particularly in Lgov and Rylsk, where reinforcements are being sent.

Kovalenko noted that while Russian forces continue to engage in difficult battles along the front, their repeated assaults on Sumy Oblast have taken a toll. Successful actions by Ukraine’s Defense Forces have significantly impacted Russian morale.

Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi reported that Ukrainian troops have advanced 200-700 meters in the Yunakivka area of Sumy Oblast over the past week.

Syrsky emphasized that Russian forces are attempting to establish a "buffer zone" in the border areas of Sumy. The enemy is focusing on storming positions near Yunakivka, as well as trying to improve their position near Andriivka and Oleksiivka.

The Ukrainian military has regained control of Andriivka and has generally stabilized the situation along the Kindrativka-Yunakivka line, Syrskyi added.

He also mentioned that Brigadier General Oleh Apostol, who recently became the commander of the Airborne Assault Forces, is leading Ukrainian forces in Sumy Oblast with success.

On June 14, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the liberation of Andriivka.

On June 20, Vladimir Putin threatened to capture the city of Sumy, but stated that “he has not set such a task at the moment.”

On June 21, Zelenskyy said the Sumy direction remains one of the most active areas on the front, with 23% of all Russian strikes, including those using North Korean missiles, recorded there.

Earlier, on June 4, DeepState reported that Russian forces continue to advance in Sumy due to a large infantry presence, and the situation remains critical due to the threat of Russian shelling of the city using fiber-optic FPV drones.