**Russian Forces Capture Village in Northern Ukraine, Widen Frontline**
In a significant development, Russian troops have captured the village of Kostiantynivka in northern Sumy Oblast, Ukraine. This comes as Moscow’s forces intensify their multi-axis assaults towards Sumy City, according to Ukrainian and Western sources.
The village of Kostiantynivka is not to be confused with a strategic town of the same name in Donetsk Oblast. Russian forces have been trying to establish a “buffer zone” in northern Ukraine since late May, aiming to prevent further Ukrainian attacks on Russian territory.
**Widening the Northern Frontline**
According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Russian troops are attempting to widen the northern Sumy Oblast frontline via three axes north and northeast of Sumy City. The ISW notes that Moscow aims to approach the Khotin-Khrapivshchyna line, roughly 12-15 km from Sumy, placing the city within tube artillery range.
Russian forces have been using drones and artillery strikes in preparations for a potential offensive on Sumy City. However, the ISW assesses that Russian forces are unlikely to capture the city in the near term.
**DeepState and Suspilne Confirm Ground Situation**
Citing analysts of the Ukrainian group Deep State, monitoring the frontline situation, Suspilne reported that Russian forces occupied Volodymyrivka and Kostiantynivka and made advances in Oleksiivka, with portions still in a grey zone. Ukrainian Border Guard Service spokesman Andrii Demchenko identified Yunakivka and Khotin as key targets.
Military expert Pavlo Narozhny told Suspilne that the push toward Yunakivka aims to cut off Ukrainian supply lines from the Sumy-Yunakivka-Sudzha highway, which supports troops on the border and in Russia’s Kursk Oblast. Narozhny said Yunakivka offers intact infrastructure suitable for Russian consolidation and future advances.
**Ukrainian Positions Under Pressure**
Fighting continues near Bilovody and Loknya, with attempted incursions into Yablunivka. Deep State co-founder Ruslan Mykula told Suspilne that Russian forces were repelled in some villages but remain focused on isolating Yunakivka from the west.
A combat medic anonymously told Suspilne that enemy drone and equipment superiority complicates evacuations and supply runs. A frontline sergeant described Russia’s tactic as “meat assaults,” sending successive small units using motorcycles and ATVs. Survivors regroup and continue advancing through tree lines and villages.
**Threat Level and Troop Presence**
Narozhny estimated around 60,000 Russian troops are now deployed along the border, posing a significant but not yet critical threat. He said Ukraine must maintain 20,000-30,000 troops in the area due to the length of the frontline.
Former intelligence chief Mykola Malomuzh stated that the current Russian grouping had earlier pushed Ukrainians from Kursk Oblast and now aims to secure new positions for potential strikes on Sumy. He said the “buffer zone” narrative masks broader offensive ambitions.
**Territory Under Russian Control**
As of June 2, Russian troops controlled around 125 square kilometers of northern Sumy Oblast, with another 70 km² in the grey zone, according to Deep State. Villages under Russian control also include Novenke, Basivka, Veselivka, and Zhuravka.
Overnight on June 3, DeepState reported that Russian forces had captured Kostiantynivka in Sumy Oblast. The status of Kindrativka, Vodolaha, and Oleksiivka remains under clarification.
**Related Developments**
Russian motorcycle units storm Ukrainian border villages seeking Sumy buffer zone in new offensive
Russia tries to break through to northern Ukraine’s Sumy city amid ceasefire talks
Russian drone blows up civilian shuttle bus, leaving nine dead in Sumy border town
Russia bombs Sumy Oblast on first day of its own declared ceasefire
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