Russia tests Ukraine's border with small groups, loses two battalions
Illustrative photo: Russia is trying to break through the border in Sumy and Kharkiv regions (GettyImages)
Russian forces are most active in the Kharkiv region near the settlement of Vovchanski Khutory, as well as along certain sections of the border in the Sumy region.
This was stated by State Border Guard Service of Ukraine spokesperson Andrii Demchenko during the national telethon.
Attempts to attack in small groups
According to Demchenko, over the past 24 hours the enemy has attempted to attack the positions of Ukrainian border guards, in particular within the Khotin, Yunakivka, and Krasnopillia communities of the Sumy region.
"The enemy is probing the situation along the border with small infantry groups and in some areas is attempting to attack positions held by Border Guard Service units," Demchenko said.
Heavy enemy losses
He noted that during attempts to breach the Ukrainian border, Russian units suffered heavy losses. According to him, enemy casualties amounted to roughly two battalions killed and wounded.
Situation in the Sumy region
In late January, near the village of Hrabovske in the Sumy region, Russian forces committed another war crime. During an attempt to evacuate independently amid drone strikes, two civilians were killed.
A man and a woman were trying to leave the occupied territory. Ukrainian forces were aware of their route and were coordinating the evacuation. However, Russian FPV drone operators deliberately targeted the unarmed civilians: the first strike killed the woman, and the second hit the wounded man who was nearby.
According to the State Border Guard Service, Russian units continue attempts to break into Ukrainian territory in small infantry groups along sections of the border in the Sumy region, but they are sustaining losses and failing to achieve success.
In addition, the enemy is actively using remote mining tactics. Explosive devices are dropped from drones in light-colored bags that may detonate upon contact or close approach. Such incidents have already been recorded in areas adjacent to the Sumy region.
