CinC Syrskyi: Russian summer offensive stalling, advance in Sumy region halted

This was stated by Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi in a post on Facebook, according to Ukrinform.

“A busy day working on the Northern Slobozhanshchyna front. The defense of Sumy region is currently one of our key priorities. Based on May–June developments, it’s clear that this year’s wave of attempted Russian offensive actions from across the border is collapsing, just like last year’s failed assault on Kharkiv region,” Syrskyi wrote.

“The strategic decisions we made earlier are now showing results. The Russian advance in the border area of Sumy has been stopped, and the line of contact has been stabilized,” he added.

According to Syrskyi, Ukrainian units are successfully employing active defense tactics and are liberating territory in border areas of Sumy region.

“In the Northern Slobozhanshchyna and Kursk sectors, we have once again tied down about 50,000 Russian troops, including elite units of their airborne forces and naval infantry. Our offensive actions in Hlushkivsky district of Kursk region (Russia) have forced the enemy to redeploy some forces to defend their own territory. This has significantly weakened the offensive capabilities of their main strike group in the Sumy direction,” Syrskyi stated.

He also noted that a special defense coordination group has been created for the Northern Slobozhanshchyna front. Its key tasks include strengthening fortifications, expanding the network of engineering and defensive barriers, and ensuring preparedness of towns and communities in Sumy region for defense.

A specific official has been appointed to oversee these preparations and manage the engineering defense system on likely enemy attack routes. A deputy responsible for fortification work has also been designated.

Syrskyi personally inspected the status of field fortifications in forests and rural areas, including sectors under the responsibility of the Regional Military Administration and the State Special Transport Service. He noted progress in fortification efforts but stressed the need for faster execution.

“Building additional defensive structures, organizing ‘kill zones’, and creating anti-drone corridors to protect our soldiers and improve logistics are obvious priorities that are being carried out — but the speed of execution must increase. I will return for inspection within the set timeframe,” he emphasized.

Syrskyi also met with commanders and soldiers on the ground in Sumy region, including at brigade command posts.

“I’m grateful for all the input and proposals. I issued necessary directives on organizational matters and the logistical needs of units. I thank all defenders of Sumy — from rank-and-file soldiers and sergeants to the Group commander, Brigadier General Oleh Apostol — for their courage and professionalism,” he said.

Syrskyi also awarded top-performing soldiers with Commander-in-Chief honors.

As Ukrinform previously reported, on June 25, there were 154 combat clashes between Ukrainian Defense Forces and Russian troops, with the most intense fighting occurring in the Pokrovsk sector.

Photo: Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine / Facebook