Lykhovyi on Russian offensive on Kharkiv and Sumy regions: No grounds for fear or hysteria
In recent weeks, the enemy has indeed increased pressure on the Kharkiv and Kursk directions, particularly in the border areas of the Sumy region, however, this is essentially part of the offensive actions that the Russians launched back in May 2024.
This was reported by the spokesperson of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Dmytro Lykhovyi, on Facebook, according to Censor.NET.
"Today, alarmist headlines have spread across social media, especially on Telegram channels – things like 'URGENT! Russia launches offensive on Sumy and Kharkiv!' Just like in the 'good old' years. But some clarification is needed. If we avoid manipulation and simply read the original source – Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi’s interview with Livyi Bereh – it becomes clear, even without extra context, that we are not talking about any significant changes on the front line. Spoiler: in my opinion, this isn’t even newsworthy on its own. At the very least, there is absolutely no reason for fear or hysteria," he stated.
He also added that "the General Staff and the President talk about intense fighting on the front lines every day and every evening."
"Let’s remove the distortion and correct the emphasis — and in General Syrskyi’s interview we can clearly see the following statement: ‘The situation has NOT changed drastically… For almost a week (prior to the interview, which took place last week), we’ve observed nearly a twofold increase in the number of enemy offensive actions across ALL major directions.’ As for the joint exercises in Belarus — they are scheduled only for the AUTUMN, and ‘we absolutely must take this factor into account,’" Lykhovyi explained.
He admitted that over the past few weeks, the enemy has managed to increase pressure on the Kharkiv and Kursk directions, in particular in the Sumy region. However, in fact, this is part of the offensive that the Russians began in May 2024. At the same time, the situation remains stable.
"The Armed Forces of Ukraine continue to conduct a defensive operation. In some areas (for example, near the border with Russia’s Belgorod region, and not only there) they are carrying out active defense measures and achieving success. The enemy’s aggressive plans are nothing new for Ukraine. We see this daily in the ongoing ground assaults and constant barbaric airstrikes. Civilians — both adults and children — are dying. But the Russians have tried to scare us with offensives and promises to ‘capture something in three days’ before. In reality, they’ve been unable to take Pokrovsk, Myrnohrad, fully seize Toretsk or Chasiv Yar for nearly half a year now. As for Sumy and Kharkiv — we’ve built echeloned defense lines, prepared fortifications, and are implementing additional measures to counter the occupiers. So yes, the enemy’s increased activity in northern Sumy and Kharkiv regions is a fact — but it’s no reason for hype-driven headlines," Lykhovyi concluded.
Earlier, Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said that the Russian army continues its strategic offensive to seize Ukrainian territory. Over the past week, the enemy has almost doubled its activity on all major fronts.
