In a significant development in the Ukraine-Russia conflict, Ukraine has launched a cross-border military operation resulting in the capture of more than 150 Russian prisoners of war on some days. This operation, which began on August 6, has reportedly exceeded expectations. Oleksii Drozdenko, the head of the military administration in Sumy, Ukraine, stated that the initial phase of the attack saw only 15 casualties needing hospital treatment. Many of the captured Russian troops are young conscripts who are reportedly unwilling to fight.
Drozdenko described the operation as the first of several stages and mentioned that Ukraine has adopted new tactics, including the destruction of strategic infrastructure. Ukrainian forces have targeted bridges over the Seym River in Kursk province, aiming to hinder Russian reinforcement efforts. This tactic involves blowing holes in bridges at Glushkovo, Zvannoe, and Karyzh, which would complicate Russian movements and improve Ukraine’s chances of gaining ground if their advance continues.
Despite the operation’s success, there has been a significant increase in strikes in Sumy and surrounding areas. From January to July 2024, there were around 400 strikes in border regions, with a recent surge to 200 strikes in just one week. The city of Sumy has experienced renewed air, missile, and artillery attacks, reflecting the intensified nature of the conflict.
In response to the conflict, humanitarian efforts have been mobilized. Sumy and neighboring regions have organized transportation of food and medicine to Russian civilians in occupied areas, although no Russian civilians have fled to Ukraine. Additionally, a call for O-negative blood in Sumy received an overwhelming response, indicating strong local support for the operation.
Sumy, a provincial city with about 250,000 residents, had previously seen limited fighting until this recent incursion. The city had defended against a Russian invasion in early 2022. Drozdenko, reflecting on the past, described his initial fear during the early conflict but expressed confidence in the current operation despite the ongoing challenges.
Air defences in Sumy have been in place, but a recent ballistic missile attack caused damage to civilian cars and injured two people. The situation remains fluid, with continued focus on the operation’s progress and its impact on the region.