Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
According to the Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief, the Russian offensive’s momentum has been blunted and the front line stabilized.
According to the Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief, the Russian offensive’s momentum has been blunted and the front line stabilized.
What is happening?
Ukrainian forces have successfully stopped Russia’s latest push into Sumy Oblast, according to Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi.
Frontline stabilized
He announced on June 26 that the front line in the northeastern region has stabilized, marking a significant setback for Moscow’s summer offensive.
“In the North Slobozhansky and Kursk directions, we have once again pinned down about 50,000 Russian Armed Forces personnel,” Syrsky said.
Russia’s Summer Campaign Losing Steam
After launching their summer campaign in May, Russian forces have failed to achieve significant breakthroughs.
“This year’s wave of the enemy’s summer offensive… is faltering,” Syrskyi noted.
Modest Gains Despite Aggression
Russia had made its largest territorial gains of 2025 in May, capturing roughly 449 square kilometers.
But even these advances were described as modest and failed to translate into sustained success across the front.
Active Defense Turns the Tide
Ukrainian forces are not only holding the line—they’re pushing back.
Syrskyi said troops in Sumy are employing “active defense” strategies, reclaiming some territory and putting pressure on Russian units in the region.
Pressure Forces Elite Russian Units on Defense
Operations by Ukrainian forces in Russia’s Glushkovsky district have compelled Moscow to reposition elite units—like the Airborne Forces and Marine Corps—into defensive roles. This shift has blunted their ability to press further into Ukraine.
Strategic Disruption in North Slobozhansky and Kursk
Syrskyi reported that Ukrainian operations have pinned down approximately 50,000 Russian troops in the North Slobozhansky and Kursk directions.
While specific tactics were not disclosed, the effect is clear: Russian forces are stretched and reactive.
Kursk Offensive and Its Aftermath
Ukraine’s earlier cross-border offensive into Russia’s Kursk Oblast captured 1,300 square kilometers in 2024.
However, most of that territory was retaken by Russian forces in a counteroffensive, with Moscow claiming full control by April 26—a claim disputed by Kyiv.
Doubts Over Russian Claims of Control
Despite Moscow’s assertion of control in Kursk, discrepancies emerged.
Ukrainian officials and even some Russian local authorities contradicted the Kremlin’s narrative, suggesting continued instability in the area.
Moscow’s Wider Objectives Remain Ambitious
Russia’s larger strategic goal remains the full occupation of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts.
Additionally, it aims to establish a buffer zone along the Sumy and Kharkiv frontiers—a move Ukraine is actively resisting.
Sumy Oblast’s Enduring Importance
Sumy Oblast, bordering Russia, has been under constant threat since the invasion began.
Its strategic location makes it a key target, and Ukraine’s ability to hold it remains a vital component of its broader defense strategy.
