Ukraine, as officials have ordered the mandatory evacuation of 11 villages in the Sumy region following intensified Russian bombardments. The move, announced on Saturday, highlights growing concerns in Kyiv that Moscow may be preparing for a large-scale military offensive in the area.
“This decision takes into account the constant threat to civilian lives because of the bombardments of border communities,” the regional administration of Sumy stated. Local authorities are working swiftly to relocate residents to safer areas, providing emergency assistance and temporary housing to those fleeing the affected villages.
The evacuation order follows a wave of aggressive military activity in the region. In recent weeks, Russia has claimed control over several small villages in northeastern Ukraine, including the village of Vodolagy, also known by its Ukrainian name Vodolahy. The Russian defense ministry confirmed on Saturday that its forces had seized control of the village, deepening anxieties in Kyiv.
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine addressed the situation earlier this week, warning that Moscow was amassing over 50,000 troops near the northeastern frontier. He called the buildup a potential sign of a renewed Russian push aimed at breaching Ukrainian defenses and expanding territorial gains in the region.
Ukraine Orders Evacuation of 11 Border Villages Amid Fears of Russian Offensive
Andriy Demchenko, a spokesperson for Ukraine’s border guard service, echoed Zelensky’s warnings, saying on Thursday that Russian troops appeared ready to “attempt an attack” on the Sumy region. According to Demchenko, the latest troop buildup began after Russian forces clashed with Ukrainian soldiers who had crossed into the Russian Kursk region last year. Moscow has since reclaimed nearly all of Kursk, reinforcing its strategic presence near the border.
Since launching its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russia has gained control of roughly 20 percent of Ukrainian territory. The prolonged war has taken a devastating toll on both sides, resulting in tens of thousands of military and civilian casualties and massive infrastructure damage. As the battle lines continue to shift, the northeastern border — particularly the Sumy and Kharkiv regions — has once again become a flashpoint.
The developments come as the international community intensifies diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict. Washington has been leading renewed attempts to broker a ceasefire, although progress has been limited. Both Kyiv and Moscow have accused each other of undermining peace talks and refusing to engage in meaningful dialogue.
Russia has proposed resuming negotiations in Istanbul on Monday, following a previous round of talks held on May 16. That session produced little beyond a large-scale prisoner exchange between the two nations. Kyiv has yet to confirm its participation in the upcoming meeting, and officials in Ukraine have insisted that Moscow must first agree to an immediate ceasefire before any further negotiations can take place.
While diplomacy stalls, Ukraine remains focused on defending its territory and protecting its citizens. The evacuation of the 11 villages in Sumy is seen as both a precautionary and humanitarian response to the intensifying threats. Local officials have been coordinating with national authorities to secure safe corridors for the evacuation, as ongoing shelling continues to complicate movement in the region.
The situation in Sumy also reflects broader concerns about the direction of the war. With Russia solidifying its control over parts of eastern Ukraine and reasserting dominance in border areas like Kursk, many military analysts warn that a summer offensive could be imminent. The presence of over 50,000 Russian troops near the border, along with continued shelling and localized assaults, strongly suggests that Moscow is laying the groundwork for a new push.
For now, the people of Ukraine, especially those in frontline regions like Sumy, remain caught in the crossfire. The government is calling on international allies to increase military support, send more humanitarian aid, and maintain pressure on the Kremlin through sanctions and diplomatic channels.
As the war nears its third year, the world watches closely. The events unfolding in Sumy may serve as a harbinger of what’s to come — either a new offensive that further destabilises the region or a turning point that finally compels both sides to seek lasting peace.
Source- EWN
