Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky refuted claims made by Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov that Russian troops had captured a village in the northeastern Sumy region. Kadyrov asserted on Sunday that Russian forces had seized the border village of Ryzhivka. However, Zelensky denied these claims, stating that Ukrainian forces maintained full control over the Sumy region and had neutralized Russian sabotage groups operating there.
Zelensky took to social media to address the situation, asserting that Ukrainian forces had effectively countered any attempts by Russian troops to advance into the region. He emphasized that as of the morning, the Russian flag in the village of Ryzhivka had been destroyed, signifying the absence of occupant presence.
While Zelensky acknowledged the challenging nature of the conflict, particularly in the industrial Donetsk region, he affirmed that Ukrainian forces were actively working to stabilize their positions. This statement comes amidst escalating tensions in the area, with reports of increased Russian military activity along the northern border.
Kadyrov had claimed that fighters from his Akhmat battalion, along with personnel from other Russian units, had successfully conducted tactical operations leading to the liberation of a settlement in the Sumy region. However, Yuriy Zarko, the Ukrainian head of the local municipality, contradicted these assertions, stating that there were no Russian troops present in Ryzhivka.
The ongoing conflict has prompted Ukrainian authorities to evacuate residents from border towns and villages in the Sumy region due to the heightened risk of Russian attacks. Since May 10, when Russia initiated a major ground operation in the neighboring Kharkiv region, tensions have continued to escalate, with Ukrainian forces facing challenges in maintaining territory against Russian advances.
Despite these difficulties, Ukraine has deployed reinforcements to bolster its defenses, particularly in areas where Russian incursions have occurred. Zelensky’s warnings of difficult battles in the eastern Donetsk region underscore the gravity of the situation as both sides remain locked in a protracted conflict with no immediate resolution in sight.