Russia stages massive military buildup near Ukrainian border

    
• Russia has amassed over 50,000 soldiers near the border with Ukraine's Sumy Oblast, posing a serious threat to the region.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasizes the successes of the Ukrainian forces, including the capture of eight prisoners in the Tyotkino area.
• Russian troops are concentrating on the Kursk direction, planning offensive actions and attempting to create a buffer zone.

Russia has amassed over 50,000 soldiers near the border with Ukraine's Sumy Oblast. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in a conversation with journalists, emphasized that despite this concentration of forces, Russia will not be able to create a buffer zone.

Zelensky stated that Russian forces are concentrating in the Sumy direction in northeastern Ukraine, with more than 50,000 troops amassed in the area. Despite this buildup, he noted that Ukrainian forces are achieving successes, mentioning that eight prisoners were captured that day in the Tyotkino area, located in Russia's Kursk Oblast.

Zelensky noted that Russian troops are concentrating on the Kursk direction, aiming to expel Ukrainian forces from Kursk Oblast and preparing an offensive in Sumy Oblast.

According to the assessment, the enemy's largest and most capable forces are concentrated in the Kursk direction, with the objective of pushing Ukrainian troops out of Kursk Oblast. They are also reportedly preparing for offensive operations in Sumy Oblast and planning to establish a buffer zone extending up to 6 miles into Ukrainian territory. However, it is believed that they are aware they currently lack the necessary capabilities to fully achieve these goals.

The President of Ukraine also expressed confidence that the U.S. "will not support" Russia's demands regarding territories currently controlled by the authorities in Kyiv. The head of state also stated that he would not like the United States to withdraw from peace negotiations.

In a conversation with journalists, Zelensky emphasized that regardless of the content of any ultimatum, the focus should be on what can genuinely lead to a first step toward a ceasefire. He expressed confidence that the United States, at the highest level, would not support Russia's demands for Ukraine to withdraw from its own territories. Zelensky also stressed the importance of continued U.S. involvement in the peace process, stating that Ukraine would not want the United States to disengage.