Fortifications raised around Sumî. The Ukrainian army evaluates the risks of a possible Russian assault
Ukraine strengthens its defensive positions in the northeast, around the city of Sumî, in response to a possible intensification of military actions from Russia in this sector of the front. Although there is no imminent threat to the city at present, Ukrainian military commanders warn that the scenarios of the conflict evolution remain open.
Spring equipment trenches/photo: x
General Oleg Apostol, the commander of the air assault troops of the Ukrainian army, confirmed this information in an interview with the “Telegraph” publication, explaining that in the SUMI area the situation is complicated, but is under control.
“Is it possible for the enemy to transfer additional reserves and try an offensive in this sector? No doubt. But by the end of July, we cannot talk about a direct threat to the city of Sumî, except for artillery or drones,” said Apostle.
In this context, the local authorities, in coordination with the defense structures, are prepared to intervene quickly in case of deterioration of the security situation. The evacuation of civilians will be organized effectively, if necessary, says the military official.
The general also referred to a relevant precedent: the city of Pokrovsk, in the Donetsk region, which, although under continuous pressure for over a year, did not fall into the hands of Russian forces. “Silly forecasts were made, it was spoken of an inevitable fall of the city. But here we have maintained our positions, despite the obvious difficulties,” said Apostol.
According to him, the reality of the war imposes a constant adaptation. “We must be prepared for any turn. The saying is clear: if you want peace, prepare for war. Unfortunately, in the years after independence, I ignored this lesson. It was only in the last decade to understand how essential it is to invest systematically in the defense capacity, so that, at the critical moment, the army is not taken.”
In the Directorate of SUM, there is currently a positional confrontation, without significant advancements of one of the parties.
