Unique case: Russian soldiers surrender in Sumy region and lead others to do same, footage
Illustrative photo: in Sumy region, Russian sodiers surrendered and called on others to do the same (Getty Images)
Read also: Russian forces break into Ukraine's Myrnohrad with armored vehicles: Details and aftermath
According to the military, soldiers of the 158th Brigade used a drone equipped with a loudspeaker to capture two Russian servicemen with the call signs "Gorets" (Highlander) and "Khirurg" (Surgeon).
"After that, the two recorded an appeal inviting their 'colleagues,' and then three more occupiers surrendered," the statement said.
In total, five Russian servicemen replenished the exchange fund and were given a chance to survive.
The brigade described the incident as unique for the front line and called on other Russian soldiers to surrender.
In the Northern-Slobozhanskyi direction, two Russian servicemen surrendered, after which they used a loudspeaker to call on their fellow soldiers to lay down their arms pic.twitter.com/xQqESD1So6
— RBC-Ukraine (@NewsUkraineRBC) February 17, 2026
Situation in the Northern-Slobozhanskyi direction
As previously reported, the situation in the Northern-Slobozhanskyi direction, which covers the border areas of the Sumy region, remains active. Despite a decrease in assault operations, Russian forces have not abandoned their intent to create a buffer zone.
According to the military, Ukrainian defenders are successfully thwarting the Russian forces' plans.
They reported that the main Russian tactic continues to be small infantry assault groups of two to four servicemen, while the use of equipment for assaults in this direction is rare.
According to updated data from the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, since the beginning of February 17, Russian occupiers carried out 52 shellings of settlements and positions of Ukrainian units in the Northern-Slobozhanskyi and Kursk directions.
