Russians Attempting to Expand Control Zone in Sumy and Kharkiv Regions, Says Border Guard Service

As of late September 2026, the operational situation on Ukraine's northern and northeastern borders remains steadily tense. According to official data from the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine (SBGSU), Russian troops continue regular attempts to expand their control zone, actively deploying infantry groups in the Sumy and Kharkiv regions.

Operational Situation in Border Areas

As SBGSU spokesperson Andriy Demchenko reported during the national telethon, the intensity of combat actions and enemy shelling varies significantly by region. The lowest activity is recorded in the Chernihiv region, where border units have not yet registered the use of regular infantry assault groups by the Russian Federation, although the threat of provocations and simulated attacks persists.

Enemy Activity in Sumy and Kharkiv Regions

A completely different picture is observed in adjacent directions. The most difficult areas are recorded within the Shostka and Konotop districts, as well as the Yunakivka community in the Sumy region. A similarly tense situation persists on the borders of the Kharkiv region, particularly in the Vovchansk community, where daily infantry attacks are preceded by massive artillery and mortar shelling.

Contradictory Data

Despite constant enemy pressure and daily attempts to breach defensive lines, Ukrainian official agencies emphasize that the occupiers have not achieved large-scale success in these areas. At the same time, some independent analytical sources and local reports indicate that tactical maneuvers by Russian sabotage-reconnaissance groups and small infantry units create serious local threats requiring a prompt response from the reserves of the Ukrainian Defense Forces.

Counteroffensive Actions and Prospects

Parallel to repelling assaults in the north, the Ukrainian military continues active operations in other frontline areas. In recent weeks, the Defense Forces of Ukraine have achieved certain successes and advanced in the Kharkiv, Donetsk, and Zaporizhzhia regions, disrupting a number of large-scale offensive plans by the Russian army.