Military expert assesses whether Russia can capture Sumy

On the Sumy axis, the Armed Forces of Ukraine have recorded that Russian troops have approached the city at a distance of 20–25 km. This poses a real threat of attacks using combat drones and artillery strikes on the city. At the same time, Sumy's defenses are heavily fortified, and the prospects of the city being captured by the enemy remain low.

This was reported by military observer, reserve major, and veteran of the Russian-Ukrainian war, Oleksiy Hetman, during a broadcast on "KYIV24."

He noted that the Russian actions were more or less expected, but that does not mean things have become easier for the Ukrainian military. The Armed Forces of Ukraine had prepared in advance, and several lines of defensive fortifications — especially closer to the city of Sumy — have already been established along key directions.

“The Russians' actions on the Sumy front were more or less expected, but that doesn't mean things have become easier for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. We knew about possible attacks and were preparing. Several lines of defensive structures — fortifications — have been constructed along those directions, especially closer to Sumy. Fortifications are already in place to slow the enemy’s advance,” Hetman explained.

The military observer says that the enemy is using scorched earth tactics, actively deploying artillery, drones, and fast-moving assault infantry groups on quad bikes and motorcycles.

“The Russians are using scorched earth tactics: intense artillery shelling, drone use, and assault infantry groups on quad bikes and motorcycles. The enemy has approached within 20–25 km of Sumy — this is a real threat, as combat drones can operate at that range,” he noted.

Hetman also emphasized that attacks on civilian infrastructure using multiple launch rocket systems constitute a war crime.

“Using multiple launch rocket systems against civilian infrastructure is a war crime and a violation of international humanitarian law,” the expert stressed.

At the same time, he expressed confidence that the likelihood of Sumy being captured remains very low, comparing the situation to the fighting in the Pokrovsk direction, where Russian forces have been unable to advance for over a year.

“The prospects of Sumy being captured remain low, which can be compared to the Pokrovsk front, where the Russians have failed to seize the city for more than a year,” the reserve major concluded.