SerpApi.Org
The enemy is still trying to create buffer zones
On July 19 and 20, Russian forces conducted limited offensive operations in the northern part of Ukraine's Sumy region but failed to make any advances, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
Russia continues efforts to establish defensible buffer zones in the Sumy region along the international border.
"Russian forces conducted limited offensive operations in northern Sumy Oblast on July 19 and 20 but did not advance," the report states.
Geolocated footage published on July 18 confirms Russian strikes on Ukrainian positions in the Sumy region southeast of Oleksandriia, as well as along the international border west of Kucherov in Russia's Kursk region.
Both settlements are located northwest of the city of Sumy.
This indicates that Ukraine's Defense Forces continue to hold positions in the area, contrary to Russian claims.
A source reporting on the activities of Russia's Sever (North) Grouping of Forces said on July 20 that Russian troops are attempting to consolidate positions in the eastern part of Taratutyne (southeast of the city of Sumy, -ed.). The enemy has likely entered the eastern part of Taratutyne.
The report also states that units of the 1st Motorized Rifle Battalion of the 2nd Motorized Rifle Regiment of the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) are operating near Mariine (east of the city of Sumy, -ed.).
This is the first time ISW has recorded reports of the 2nd Motorized Rifle Regiment (Russian Aerospace Forces) taking part in combat operations.
Earlier, RBC-Ukraine reported on how Ukraine's air defense repelled a new Russian attack during the night of July 21.
We also reported on the situation in Crimea overnight, where fires are currently burning, and part of the peninsula has been left without electricity.
