Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief tells how Russian offensive in Sumy direction disrupted
Photo: Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (Getty Images)
Following Russia’s offensive in the Kharkiv region, the enemy planned to advance towards Sumy. However, a series of factors, including a Ukrainian military operation in the Kursk region, disrupted their plans, according to Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Oleksandr Syrskyi.
On May 10, 2024, Russian forces launched their second assault in the Kharkiv region during the full-scale invasion. Just days later, they aimed to move forward into the Sumy region, using Kursk as a staging ground for further actions against Ukraine and its armed forces.
However, after suffering losses in the Kharkiv direction, the Russian troops became effectively stalled in their advance, transitioning to a defensive position in Vovchansk. They also came to a standstill in the areas around Hlyboke and Lyptsi.
Ukrainian General Oleksandr Syrskyi noted that the Russian forces deployed for the assault on Kharkiv were insufficient. Subsequently, the enemy began to gradually relocate units stationed near Kursk toward the Sumy direction.
As a result, the planned Russian offensive against the Sumy region did not materialize. Nonetheless, Moscow continued to view this area as a potential launching point for further operations.
“In addition, they continued to shell our settlements daily, which caused us to suffer losses, primarily among the civilian population. This lasted until May, and in May there was a significant intensification. It was already clear then that this delay was temporary,” Syrskyi stated.
The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine emphasized that this direction had always posed a threat to Ukraine. Therefore, after assessing their capabilities, the Ukrainian forces targeted the weakest point in the enemy's defense.
“This reduced the threat of an enemy offensive. We prevented them from acting. We moved the fighting to the enemy’s territory so that he could feel what we feel every day,” the Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief emphasized.
According to Syrskyi, the Ukrainian operation resulted in the creation of a security zone in the Kursk area. Ukrainian forces also took a substantial number of prisoners.
“We created an “exchange fund” in order to release our military personnel who are in captivity,” added the Commander-in-Chief.
Ukrainian operation in the Kursk region
According to reports from Russian Telegram channels, the Ukrainian military operation in the Kursk region began on August 6, 2024. As of now, it has been ongoing for over a month. During this period, over 100 settlements have come under Ukrainian control.
Additionally, a few days ago, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that Russian casualties in the Kursk operation amounted to 6,000 dead and wounded.
