Ukraine’s military intelligence special forces cleared more than 600 hectares (1,480 acres) of forest of Russian troops during a seven-week operation in the Sumy region, thwarting Russian offensive plans.
The Main Directorate of Intelligence (HUR) announced the operation on Telegram on Oct. 20, saying fighters from the “GROUP 10” unit of its Department of Active Operations captured 29 Russian soldiers, neutralized 108 others and struck more than 1,100 targets.
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“The primary objective has been achieved!” HUR said, adding that the operation prevented Russian forces from cutting off logistical routes.
The operation lasted approximately seven weeks and consisted of two phases, according to the report. Forty special forces personnel took part in active combat operations.
During the operation, HUR operatives also destroyed Russian drone command posts, artillery systems, vehicles and fortifications. After clearing the forest, the special forces handed the positions over to Ukraine’s Defense Forces.
A video released alongside the report shows footage from the operation, including Ukrainian troops taking Russian soldiers prisoner. Kyiv Post has been unable to independently verify when or where the footage was filmed.
Russian activity increases along Sumy border
The operation comes amid reports of increased Russian activity along Ukraine’s northern border.
On Oct. 21, Andrii Demchenko, spokesperson for Ukraine’s State Border Guard Service, said Russian sabotage and reconnaissance groups (DRG) had become more active over the previous several weeks, primarily in the Sumy region and also along the border in Chernihiv region.
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Ukrainian forces are deploying anti-sabotage reserves and technical equipment to detect the groups and prevent them from carrying out their plans, Demchenko said.
He also reported a slight increase in attacks by Russian infantry groups in Sumy, particularly in the Shostka and Konotop districts. However, the intensity of Russian troop deployments in the region remains below that in the Kharkiv region, he added.
“If Russia manages to secure additional resources – primarily in terms of manpower – we should expect that attacks within the Sumy region could also intensify,” Demchenko said.
In late September, Demchenko had also warned that Russian forces were repeatedly attempting to expand their zone of control near Ukrainian defensive positions in the Shostka and Konotop districts and the Yunakivka community.
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