**Russian Forces Intensify Assault in Ukraine**
The commander of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, Oleksandr Syrskyi, has warned that Russian forces have stepped up their assault operations across key fronts in the country. In a statement on May 31, Syrskyi said that Russian troops have increased activity in the Zaporizhzhia region, where they are conducting active offensive actions.
This escalation comes as Ukraine’s military continues to inflict substantial losses on Russian forces. According to Syrskyi, over 34,000 Russian personnel were killed in May alone. Ukrainian artillery, aviation, and drone systems have been targeting enemy units before they reach Ukrainian positions, he added.
Despite Russia’s main efforts remaining concentrated on the Pokrovsk, Toretsk, and Lyman fronts in Donetsk Oblast, as well as in Ukraine’s northeastern Sumy Oblast bordering Russia, Zaporizhzhia has seen an uptick in escalation. Syrskyi noted that Ukrainian forces are reinforcing high-risk areas with reserves and intensifying firepower to repel attacks.
**Russian Aggression Continues**
In the Sumy Oblast, Russian forces have continued cross-border raids, shelling, and attempted sabotage missions. Ukrainian officials and military analysts warn of a possible new Russian offensive targeting the region. On May 29, State Border Guard Service spokesperson Andrii Demchenko said that Russia had amassed “sufficient forces” in neighboring Kursk Oblast to potentially launch an incursion into Sumy.
Syrskyi also highlighted Ukrainian cross-border operations, stating that in May, Ukraine struck 58 military targets deep inside Russian territory using long-range DeepStrike systems. These included defense industry facilities producing explosive materials and combat drones.
**Fighting Continues on Kursk Front**
Fighting continues on the Kursk front, where Russia has deployed elite units initially intended for operations in eastern Ukraine. On May 21, Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly visited Kursk Oblast after Moscow declared that it had completed a military operation to liberate the territory from Ukrainian incursions.
However, the Ukrainian military said on April 26 that some of the areas were still under their control. This suggests that Russia’s claims of completing its military operation may be exaggerated or even false.
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