SUMY OBLAST, Ukraine — Russian forces have reportedly crossed the Ukrainian border near the villages of Bruski and Bunyakino in northeastern Sumy Oblast, opening a new tactical axis of advance along the northern front, according to operational reports.
The reported incursion took place in the Seim River floodplain, close to a heavily wooded area locally known as the State Forest. Reports state that Russian troops have taken control of approximately 12 square kilometers of territory following the advance.
Advance Reported in Seim River Floodplain
According to the reports, Russian units crossed the border near Bruski and Bunyakino, two small villages in the Konotop district of Sumy Oblast located close to the Russian border.
Bunyakino, also referred to in some reports as Bunyachine or Bunyakine, lies about 5 kilometers from the right bank of the Seim River, with Bruski located nearby. The surrounding area consists of floodplain terrain and forested sections that can influence troop movement and defensive positions.
The Seim River is a major tributary of the Desna River, flowing through Russia's Kursk Oblast before entering Ukraine's Sumy and Chernihiv oblasts.
Putivl Identified as Key Operational Direction
Military analysts cited in the reports say the advance near Bruski and Bunyakino opens a new operational direction toward the town of Putivl, located approximately 22 kilometers from the Russian border.
Putivl serves as an important logistical hub and sits on the regional road network connecting Sumy, Shostka, and Novgorod-Seversky.
According to the assessments, if Russian forces maintain their advance and disrupt the Sumy–Putivl–Shostka highway, Ukrainian military logistics and supply routes supporting operations across northeastern Sumy Oblast and parts of eastern Chernihiv Oblast could become more difficult.
Other Military Activity Reported in the Region
The reported border crossing comes alongside other Russian military activity in the region.
Reports indicate Russian troops are expanding positions west of the recently captured settlement of Ryazhevka, an area that previously served as a Ukrainian fortified position opposite the Russian settlement of Tyotkino in Kursk Oblast.
At the same time, Sumy Oblast has experienced an increase in aerial attacks. According to regional reports, Russian forces have carried out strikes using guided aerial bombs and combat drones over the past 48 hours.
Recent strikes on the city of Sumy and nearby communities reportedly caused civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure.
Ukrainian Response
According to the reports, Ukrainian defense forces are repositioning units to respond to the new direction of the reported advance.
Local authorities continue evacuation efforts in vulnerable border communities as fighting remains active along parts of the northern frontier.
Part of Ongoing Border Operations
The Bruski-Bunyakino area forms part of the wider border zone in northern Sumy Oblast, where Russian forces have conducted cross-border operations at multiple locations since early 2025.
Ukrainian officials and open-source monitoring groups, including DeepState, have previously documented Russian activity near settlements including Hrabovske, Novenke, Zhuravka, Yunakivka, and Khotin.
Recent Ukrainian military statements have described continued attempts by small Russian assault groups and infantry units to cross the border, with Ukrainian forces responding using artillery, drones, and border guard units.
Independent Verification Not Yet Available
At the time of publication, no independent confirmation from major Ukrainian military sources or international news organizations was available specifically verifying the reported border crossing near Bruski and Bunyakino or the reported capture of approximately 12 square kilometers of territory.
The reported developments are consistent with the broader pattern of localized fighting observed along the Sumy border throughout 2025 and into 2026, where military activity has largely focused on areas close to the international border rather than deep advances toward the city of Sumy.
Ukrainian authorities and military officials continue to monitor the situation as operations remain ongoing along the northern border.
Source : en.topwar.ru
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