Russian forces have captured four villages in Ukraine’s Sumy region as part of their strategy to create a buffer zone near the border, while fighting intensifies across eastern Ukraine.
At a Glance
- Russian forces have captured four villages in Ukraine’s Sumy region: Novenke, Basivka, Veselivka, and Zhuravka
- Sumy Governor Oleh Hryhorov confirmed the captures, stating residents had been evacuated to safety
- Russia’s military advance is part of efforts to establish a “buffer zone” along the Russia-Ukraine border
- The Sumy region borders Russia’s Kursk region, where Ukraine previously launched a cross-border operation
- One civilian casualty has been reported due to Russian shelling in the Sumy region
Russian Advances in Sumy Region
Russian military forces have captured four villages in Ukraine’s northeastern Sumy region according to official Ukrainian sources. The villages of Novenke, Basivka, Veselivka, and Zhuravka are now under Russian control as confirmed by Sumy regional Governor Oleh Hryhorov.
The captures represent a new front in the ongoing conflict and appear to be part of Russia’s broader strategy to establish territorial control along the border regions. Ukrainian authorities report that residents from these villages had been evacuated to safety prior to the Russian advance, minimizing civilian exposure to the combat operations.
The Russian Defense Ministry claims their forces are continuing to advance, with fighting reportedly ongoing around other villages including Volodymyrivka and Bilovodiv. Russian officials assert they have control over these additional settlements, though Ukrainian authorities have not confirmed these claims.
The military action in the Sumy region comes as part of what analysts describe as Russia’s attempt to establish a “buffer zone” near the Russia-Ukraine border, potentially to prevent further Ukrainian incursions into Russian territory.
Maria Zakharova:
„Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Munich Security Conference, February 15, 2025:
“When it comes to the difference between Russia and Ukraine, the difference is that Russian civilians are not dying. Russian children… pic.twitter.com/OaUCvNFdly
— Zlatti71 (@Zlatti_71) February 16, 2025
Ukrainian Response and Ongoing Situation
Ukrainian forces are actively responding to the Russian advances in the Sumy region, with military officials stating they maintain control over the broader situation. According to statements from Ukrainian command, their forces are targeting Russian positions with precise artillery fire and other military assets. Ukraine’s State Emergency Services reported one civilian casualty resulting from Russian shelling in the region, highlighting the continued danger to the local population despite evacuation efforts. Military observers note that Ukrainian defensive operations appear focused on containing the Russian advance rather than immediate counteroffensives.
The Sumy region’s strategic importance stems partly from its proximity to Russia’s Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces previously launched a surprise cross-border operation. This context may explain Russia’s current focus on securing control over border settlements. Russian authorities claim Ukrainian forces have largely retreated from the Kursk region, though Ukrainian military sources maintain they still have a presence in certain areas. The competing narratives illustrate the information warfare component that continues alongside physical combat operations.
Broader Conflict Context
The capture of these Sumy region villages occurs amid intensified fighting across multiple fronts in eastern Ukraine. Russian forces continue offensive operations in the Donetsk region, where they have claimed additional territorial gains. The fighting represents a continuation of the conflict that began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, now approaching its third year with no clear resolution in sight. International observers note that Russia has been making incremental advances across eastern Ukraine in recent months, despite significant Ukrainian resistance.
Western nations continue to provide military support to Ukraine, though recent discussions have centered around potential limitations on how Ukrainian forces can deploy certain long-range weapons systems. The Biden administration has maintained restrictions on Ukraine’s ability to strike targets deep inside Russia with American-provided weapons, a policy position that has drawn criticism from some defense analysts who argue it limits Ukraine’s defensive capabilities. Meanwhile, Russian forces continue to launch missile and drone strikes against Ukrainian cities, including recent large-scale attacks on the capital Kyiv.
