Ukrainian forces are expected to fortify their positions and stabilize the front in the Kharkiv region over the next few days. However, Russia is anticipated to launch a new offensive further north of Kharkiv, in the Sumy region, according to Kyrylo Budanov, the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate.
Budanov expressed expectation that attacks in the Kharkiv region would continue for another three to four days, after which Russian forces are expected to make a powerful strike towards Sumy.
Ukrainian officials had previously said that Russia had amassed troops along the border near Sumy.
Meanwhile, Pavlo Velychko, a Ukrainian officer operating near the Russian border in the Sumy region, reported increased Russian shelling of the Sumy outskirts lately.
"I have no idea if it means anything because those places were often shelled anyway. In any case we are in full combat readiness," he said.
Advance north of Kharkiv region
Recall, last week Russian troops crossed the border in the north of the Kharkiv region and entered several populated areas. Currently, fighting is ongoing in the vicinity of the northern outskirts of the town of Vovchansk.
According to the DeepState project, Russian troops have advanced and seized the village of Lukyantsi in the last 24 hours.
Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Oleksandr Lytvynenko said that over 30,000 Russian soldiers are participating in the offensive.
Earlier, Budanov had said that Ukraine could expect a rather challenging situation from mid-May to early June, but "Armageddon will not happen."