Russia claims breakthrough toward Sumy

Russian military sources are claiming a new offensive push toward the northeastern Ukrainian city of Sumy. They report that Russian troops are entrenching themselves in the eastern part of the settlement of Stepok and that separate units are already operating in forest areas near Novodmitrivka. Entire groups are also reported to be entering the settlement of Taratutino, indicating a multi-pronged advance from the east. These claims, if confirmed, would represent a significant new front in Russia's invasion of Ukraine, opening a potential northern axis of attack toward a major regional capital.