**Russian Troops Shift Tactics in Sumy Oblast, But Momentum Remains**
Russian forces have changed their tactics in Sumy Oblast, northern Ukraine, switching from large-scale attacks to smaller, more agile groups. Instead of relying on armored vehicles, they’re now using motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles to quickly move troops around the battlefield. This shift doesn’t mean the Russians are losing ground; it may be a sign that they’re preparing to push further south.
**50,000 Troops, 20 Kilometers to Target**
In late May, a massive Russian force of 50,000 troops and hundreds of vehicles rolled into Sumy Oblast, reversing Ukrainian gains along the border. Two weeks later, the Russians had captured several border villages in a 150-square-kilometer pocket. Sumy city lies just 20 kilometers south.
**The New Tactics**
According to analysts at the Royal United Services Institute, the Russians are now using small groups of eight to ten personnel for reconnaissance missions. These probes are designed to draw Ukrainian fire and assess enemy positions. If resistance is met, Russian commanders regroup and reassess their attack plans. Artillery and precision glide bombs then rain down on Ukrainian defenses.
**Costly but Effective**
This approach may be costly in lives, with Russian casualties exceeding 1,000 a day for months. However, as long as recruitment remains strong, the Kremlin seems willing to absorb these losses. The Russians are now dropping nearly 180 glide bombs every day along the front line, up from 100 last year.
**Ukraine’s Difficult Math**
As Ukraine shifts more forces south to block Russian advances around Pokrovsk, the north is left undermanned. Analyst Tatarigami warns that unless the loss ratio begins to shift decisively in Ukraine’s favor, Russian forces will likely continue advancing on Sumy.
**Air Power and More**
The Ukrainian air force has responded with increased bombing raids targeting Russian troops. However, it may take more than a surge in air power to halt the Russian march on Sumy. The stakes are high as the city remains just 20 kilometers from the Russian juggernaut.
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