Russia seeks to create 20-km 'buffer zone' along border in Sumy, Kharkiv regions – Drapatyi

According to Ukrinform, Joint Forces Commander Mykhailo Drapatyi said this in a comment to the Ukrainska Pravda news outlet.

According to Drapatyi, Russian forces are "biting off" more and more border villages in the Sumy region, including in areas where the frontline does not even pass. In military terms, this is described as "tactical diversionary actions" or the use of a "thousand cuts" tactic. Such actions are not followed by the deployment of heavy equipment or active assault operations.

"It cannot be said that this is a 'secondary front' or a 'front intended to divert our forces.' No – each Russian grouping has its own tasks. The Sever grouping that stands opposite us in the Sumy and Kharkiv regions is tasked with creating a buffer zone or, as they themselves call it, a 'zone of influence'," Drapatyi said.

The Joint Forces commander specified that 12 identified sectors currently exist where Russian troops – from the strength of an assault company to possibly a battalion – will attempt to expand their zone of control.

"These include the Krasnopillia, Velyka Pysarivka, and Zolochiv directions," Drapatyi added.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, Russian forces carried out 44 strikes on 30 settlements in the Sumy region over the past day.

Photo: Mykhailo Drapatyi/Facebook