Ukrainian forces are making progress in the Sumy region, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on 14/9. "There are positive results in the border areas of the Sumy region. Ukrainian units are continuing to advance towards the border," he said.

Zelensky also stated that Russian forces "suffered significant losses on the front lines in the Kharkov region, including Kupyansk, as well as the Donetsk region". He added, "We are continuing operations in Dobropolye," referring to a town north of Pokrovsk, where Russian troops have recently made gains. "The important thing is that we are repelling Russian attacks," he emphasized.

Location of Sumy, Kharkov and Donetsk regions. Graphics: RYV

After pushing Ukrainian forces out of the Kursk region, Russian troops crossed the border and took control of several villages in the Sumy region in an attempt to establish a security buffer zone. Russia has repeatedly attacked urban areas in the Sumy region, including the regional capital of the same name.

Simultaneously, Russia continued its slow offensive in the Donbas region, which includes the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, claiming to have taken control of additional settlements almost daily. Denis Pushilin, the Russian-appointed leader of Donetsk, said Russian troops are advancing in a pincer movement near the stronghold of Pokrovsk.

On 13/9, the Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, in coordination with the Special Operations Forces (SSO), carried out "a highly complex operation to disrupt traffic on the Oryol-Kursk railway line in Russia", according to Ukrainian media.

A Ukrainian source revealed that this railway line is a vital supply route for Russian units fighting in the Kharkov and Sumy regions.

Ukrainian artillery soldiers at a position near the front line on 2/6. Photo: AP

Earlier, Russian railway workers discovered several mines on the Maloarkhangelsk-Glazunovka section of the Oryol-Kursk line. The Russian National Guard dispatched a bomb disposal unit to the scene, but a mine exploded, killing two soldiers and seriously injuring another.

Another attack occurred on the night of 14/9, targeting the St. Petersburg-Pskov railway line. Ukrainian sources claimed a locomotive derailed and 15 fuel tankers were destroyed in the attack. "Due to the damaged railway lines, Russia will face serious logistical challenges that will significantly affect its ability to launch operations against Ukrainian forces," Ukrainian sources said.

Nguyen Tien (According to AFP, AP, Reuters)