In a tense update regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin indicated that he does not dismiss the possibility of Russian forces seizing control of Sumy, a northeastern city in Ukraine. During a statement at Russia’s premier economic forum in Saint Petersburg, he emphasized the city’s strategic importance, suggesting that it could contribute to establishing a buffer zone along the border between the two nations.
“We have no objective to take Sumy, but in principle I do not rule it out… They pose a constant threat to us, constantly shelling the border areas,” Putin stated, highlighting the persistent tensions in the region. Sumy, located approximately 30 kilometers (18 miles) from Russia’s border, has faced considerable assaults since the onset of Russia’s military campaign in February 2022.
Putin’s remarks took a nationalist turn as he reiterated his controversial stance on Ukrainian identity, stating, “I consider Russians and Ukrainians to be one people. In that sense, all of Ukraine is ours.” He added, “There is a saying: wherever a Russian soldier sets foot, that is ours.” This rhetoric raises significant concerns regarding the potential for continued hostilities and casts a shadow over any prospects for peace negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv.
The Kremlin has remained adamant in its rejection of calls for an unconditional ceasefire, instead demanding that Ukraine cede additional territory as a precondition for any resolution. In a notable counteraction, Ukraine launched a campaign into Russia’s western Kursk region from Sumy in August, managing to seize numerous border settlements which they retained for months before being repelled by Russian forces, reportedly bolstered by the presence of North Korean troops.
Putin has recently instructed Russian military units to forge what he refers to as a “buffer zone” within Ukrainian territory, asserting that his troops have moved as much as 12 kilometers (approximately 7.5 miles) inward. This newly drawn boundary is outside the five regions in Ukraine that Russia has claimed to have annexed formally.
As military activities intensify and rhetoric escalates, the situation in Sumy and surrounding areas remains a focal point of conflict, with both sides bracing for further confrontations.
