russian forces are intensifying infantry incursions into Ukraine's northern Sumy region, expanding their presence beyond earlier breach points, according to a June 2 statement by Andriy Demchenko, spokesperson for the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine. Speaking during a national TV broadcast, Andriy Demchenko described the situation as "not just difficult, but complicated", indicating a worsening tactical landscape.
Previously, russian infantry groups primarily targeted the border areas near the villages of Basivka and Zhuravka. However, recent developments show that these forces are now pushing through additional directions, including the settlements of Khotin and Yunakivka. This marks a clear attempt to widen the corridor of engagement across the northern border.
Read more: Ukraine Demonstrates Precision in Air Defense with Visuals of Destroyed Enemy Drones in Sumy Region (Video)
Before launching infantry assaults, кussian forces typically conduct intense preparatory strikes. These include artillery shelling, drone attacks, guided aerial bombs, and missile launches to soften Ukrainian defenses and destabilize border outposts. Such combined-arms tactics aim to reduce resistance before troops cross the frontier.
Despite these efforts, Ukrainian forces continue to inflict substantial losses on the invading units. According to Demchenko, the russian side shows little regard for casualties, pushing forward new troops even as the previous waves are decimated.
"Some die, others keep coming," he remarked.
Most russian infantry units advance on foot, sometimes using light motorized vehicles. Notably, armored vehicles are rarely employed in this sector, likely due to terrain, Ukrainian anti-armor capabilities, or logistical constraints. This suggests that russia views these incursions as expendable infantry missions rather than full-scale armored offensives.
Once across the border, russian troops rapidly take cover in terrain features such as tree lines, ditches, and makeshift bunkers. These positions allow them to await reinforcements and prepare for larger-scale attacks. According to Ukrainian intelligence, the invading troops use these positions as staging areas to escalate local skirmishes into wider engagements.
Read more: Ukrainian Strike Drone Operators Eliminate russian UAV Command Posts, Shelters, and Equipment in Sumy Region
