Zelenskyy: Russia massing troops at border and preparing new strikes on Ukraine
Photo: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
Russia has begun deploying its troops to the border of the Sumy region. The Russian forces are also preparing an offensive on several fronts, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated during a conversation with journalists.
According to him, Ukrainian troops continue to carry out their mission in Russia’s Kursk region and will remain there as long as necessary. He emphasized that the strategic actions of the Ukrainian army are aimed at preventing the advance of Russian forces.
"Ukrainian troops are there and will stay as long as this operation is needed. We see Putin claiming that our troops are allegedly encircled, but our soldiers are holding their positions, proving that this is false. These are our strategic steps, and we will do everything to prevent his attempts to seize new territories," Zelenskyy stated.
The president also highlighted the buildup of Russian forces near Ukraine’s border and the possibility of new attacks on the Sumy, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia regions. According to him, Ukraine will not allow the enemy to execute its plans easily.
"We see troop concentrations in the Kursk region. They want to strike Sumy, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia — that’s what we are observing. But we won’t let them do it so easily," he stressed.
Zelenskyy also addressed potential peace negotiations, emphasizing the need for concrete details from the United States and its role in the process.
"If President Trump can push for details and ensure a halt to strikes on energy infrastructure and in the Black Sea, that would be the first step. No matter what, we will support steps that lead to a reduction in attacks on civilian and military infrastructure," the head of state said.
Situation in Sumy region
Earlier, Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation (CCD) reported that Russian forces were amassing troops for more active operations near the border of the Sumy region. However, it was stated that this does not indicate an imminent assault on the city of Sumy.
Additionally, according to the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine (SBGS), Russian sabotage and reconnaissance groups continue their attempts to cross into Ukraine's Sumy region and are also engaged in mining the area.
At the end of February, reports emerged online claiming that Russian forces had breached the border near the village of Novenke. However, these claims were later debunked. According to SBGS spokesperson Andrii Demchenko, Russian forces are attempting to expand the area of active combat along the region’s border.
