---
title: "Buffer Zone and Rear Attacks: How the Situation is Changing on the Frontline and in Border Regions"
description: "Russian forces have intensified activity in Sumy Oblast, attempting to create a buffer zone, but no breakthroughs on the frontline have been recorded. The Armed Forces of Ukraine are successfully holding back the assault in the east and striking the enemy's rear, blocking their logistics. 🇺🇦🛡️🚀"
date: 2026-06-18T06:38:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/buffer-zone-and-rear-attacks-how-the-situation-is-changing-on-the-frontline-and-in-border-regions
tags: []
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Buffer Zone and Rear Attacks: How the Situation is Changing on the Frontline and in Border Regions

![Ukrainian soldiers near an artillery piece in a forest with smoke in the background — illustrating rear attacks and buffer zone dynamics](https://xab.info/media/2026/06/18/aktivizatsiya-v-sumskoy-oblasti-i-udary-po-tylam-kak-menyayetsya-obstanovka-na-fronte/aktivizatsiya-v-sumskoy-oblasti-i-udary-po-tylam-kak-menyayetsya-obstanovka-na-fronte-1.webp)

The situation along the line of contact remains tense: Russian forces continue offensive operations on several fronts, yet no significant breakthroughs of the enemy's defenses have been recorded. At the same time, a dangerous trend of increased enemy activity in border regions is observed, altering the tactical landscape of the conflict.

### Increased Activity in Sumy Oblast and the Threat to the Buffer Zone

According to a report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), cited by RBC-Ukraine, the enemy has significantly intensified activity near the state border of Sumy Oblast. Attempts by Russian units to infiltrate border areas have been detected. Analysts indicate that these actions suggest Moscow's intention to create a so-called "buffer zone" along Ukraine's border.

### Kharkiv Direction: Attacks and Sabotage

In Kharkiv Oblast, hostilities have taken the form of active raids. In the area of Kozatska Lopan and to the northeast of Kharkiv, Russian forces are conducting individual infiltration operations. Despite regular claims by the Russian side regarding advances, no confirmed changes to the frontline have been observed.

A particular threat is posed by the intensification of drone strikes. The enemy is deliberately attacking road infrastructure and civilian objects in frontline areas, attempting to disrupt logistics and undermine the morale of the population. Attempts to storm Kupiansk and Borova continue, but Ukrainian defenders are successfully holding back the assault.

### Lyman and Konstantynivka: Reality vs. Propaganda

On the Lyman direction, the enemy is attempting reconnaissance-strike operations and infiltrating individual settlements. However, Ukrainian military forces are effectively detecting such groups and striking them. There is no independent confirmation of the Russian side's claims regarding significant successes in this area.

A complex situation persists near Konstantynivka. Occupiers report advances within the city; however, the Ukrainian command refutes this data, emphasizing that the Defense Forces are holding their positions. The number of Russian military personnel inside the settlement remains limited, and attempts to expand control over the city have failed.

### Eastern Front: Pokrovsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Counterattacks

Intensive combat operations continue on the Pokrovsk, Novopavlivka, and Dobropillia directions. Russian forces are attempting to pressure Ukrainian defenses, but they have no confirmed significant territorial gains. The situation in Zaporizhzhia Oblast is also stable: the enemy has not achieved noticeable advances.

Conversely, Ukrainian forces are launching counteroffensives near Orikhiv, striking enemy drone control points and other military facilities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously noted that despite attempts to advance on 12 fronts, the Russian army has lost the initiative almost everywhere. Slow advances are recorded only on two or three sectors where Moscow has concentrated massive resources of manpower and equipment.

### Strikes on the Rear: The Strategy of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

A key element of the current strategy is the systematic attack on the enemy's rear infrastructure. In recent days, Ukrainian forces have struck ammunition depots, command posts, troop locations, and logistical routes in occupied territories of Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson Oblasts.

Strikes on bridges are of particular importance, as they have blocked ground routes to Crimea. This not only disrupts Russian plans for offensives but also creates serious supply problems for occupation forces. Combat operations do not cease, as neither side intends to stop the advance on the battlefield.