Russian troops are attempting to create a bridgehead for further offensive operations toward the settlement of Khotin in Sumy Oblast. It poses a direct threat to advancement toward the city of Sumy, according to the 78th Separate Air Assault Brigade of the 7th Rapid Response Corps of Ukraine.
The brigade emphasizes that all such attempts are detected in time and thwarted due to intelligence and active defense.
Russia wants to outflank Ukraine in Sumy
Overall, Russian troops periodically conduct assault operations and increase the use of unmanned aerial systems in specific areas. During infantry advances, Russian forces often avoid frontal attacks, instead attempting to act from the flanks and utilizing drones for reconnaissance and fire adjustment.
The 78th Air Assault Brigade faces formations from the 810th Separate Naval Infantry Brigade of the Russian Federation and the 9th Motorized Rifle Regiment.
“Our active defense and constant reconnaissance allow us to maintain full control of the situation,” the Ukrainian paratroopers emphasizes.
"Buffer zone" means ruins and a lack of basic living conditions
The settlement of Khotin remains under constant fire. Many residential buildings were already destroyed by the summer. The area is littered with dangerous debris and unexploded ordnance, creating a continuous mine hazard, according to Suspilne.
There is no electricity or gas in the settlement, and civilian life has been effectively destroyed by the persistent attacks.
Russian attempts to establish a bridgehead in Sumy Oblast indicate a clear strategic trend: the war is not entering a “frozen” phase, but is instead slowly expanding into new directions.
