Putin claims Russian troops entered Ukraine’s Sumy region, Kyiv denies large-scale attack

Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday claimed that his troops had entered Ukraine’s northeastern Sumy region, in what would be the first such ground incursion there since Russia’s 2022 invasion. However, Kyiv swiftly rejected the claim, asserting that only a minor Russian reconnaissance group had been neutralised.

In televised remarks, Putin stated, "I was told an hour ago that at night fighters of the 810th brigade crossed the border of the Russian Federation and Ukraine, and entered the territory of the enemy." Russian state media later reported that this unit was stationed in the Kursk region, which borders Sumy. Sources affiliated with Ukraine’s military, such as the DeepState website, also indicated that the brigade was engaged in fighting near the border.

Ukrainian officials were quick to refute Putin’s claims. Andriy Kovalenko, head of Ukraine’s Centre for Countering Disinformation, called the statement "a lie," adding that a Russian sabotage and reconnaissance group had been intercepted and destroyed. He insisted that there were no Russian forces capable of launching a large-scale offensive in the area.

The Sumy region was among the territories attacked by Russian forces at the outset of their invasion in February 2022. However, Russian troops withdrew from the region approximately six weeks later as part of a broader repositioning.

If Russia were to launch a full-scale assault on Sumy, it would mark a significant escalation in the conflict, particularly as international diplomatic efforts intensify. Former US President Donald Trump, who is currently seeking re-election, has been advocating for a swift resolution to the war.

The claim of an incursion comes as Moscow continues its offensive in eastern Ukraine, particularly in the Donetsk and Kharkiv regions, where battles have intensified in recent months. Kyiv remains on high alert for any renewed Russian efforts to expand the front line, while Western allies continue to supply military aid despite political debates over ongoing support.

Both Ukraine and Russia have increased cross-border raids in recent weeks, with Russian officials also reporting Ukrainian drone and artillery strikes on their border regions. While the exact scale of Wednesday’s incident remains unclear, it underscores the continued volatility along the Russia-Ukraine border and the challenges in verifying battlefield claims from both sides.