Is Russia capable of launching a major assault on Sumy region? Ukrainian expert's view
Expert assesses whether Russia has enough forces for a massive offensive on Sumy region (Getty Images)
At the moment, the Russian army does not have enough forces or resources for a large-scale offensive on the Sumy region. Currently, the enemy's operation is at the level of strategic troop deployment, said Ivan Tymochko, head of the Reserve Council of the Ukrainian Ground Forces.
"Right now, in order to concentrate enough personnel along the front line and open up additional directions — such as the Sumy axis — the enemy needs more weapons and equipment. And for the long term, because it requires reserves and layered deployment. And here, there are certain rhetorical answers to that…" said Tymochko.
According to him, "If there is a wave of offensive — there will be a front. But only if the Russians dare to take that step."
"This operation is currently at the level of strategic troop and force deployment," the expert noted. "In other words, it involves planning, preparation, accounting, bringing in reserves, increasing combat engagements — all of that is happening. But to say that they are now capable of launching a massive offensive, or that they are advancing deep into our lines or territory — definitely not."
At the same time, Tymochko did not say whether Russia could accumulate enough forces for an offensive in the near future. According to him, Ukraine's top military and political leadership has more complete information about the enemy's resources, plans, and intentions.
"On the other hand, we are also preparing our countermeasures. Because when we say that the enemy is preparing here or there, it doesn't mean we're not doing the same. We simply don't reveal our own plans and intentions," he added.
He also noted that the relocation of civilians is a standard practice in frontline or potentially threatened areas. Tymochko explained that it is much easier to carry out evacuations when there are no active combat operations. When there is time to build proper logistics for evacuation, the process is far more manageable.
"It becomes much more difficult when this happens not in frontline areas but in cities already under direct fire. These are serious challenges," he said. "So in this case, it's better to be cautious. And I agree with that approach. I wouldn't want this to be seen as panic or some kind of 'betrayal.' These are very serious, well-thought-out measures in terms of evacuating people and removing them from potential threats."
Russian offensive in Sumy region
Recently, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russian forces have been continuously advancing along all frontlines for several months. According to him, the Sumy direction has been the enemy's primary focus.
"Their offensive actions were launched in all directions. And the main direction was indeed the Sumy axis. There, 67,000 troops were concentrated. We took appropriate steps to prevent them from joining forces," Zelenskyy said.
He added that Russian troops are now working to regroup and recover their strength.
Meanwhile, the Operational Tactical Group Kharkiv also reported that Russia is amassing forces and that the summer offensive campaign has essentially already begun.
