According to the analytical project DeepState , Russian troops continue to advance in the border areas of Sumy region, creating a so-called “gray zone” along the state border. In recent weeks, the length of the front has reached about 100 kilometers, and the total area of the territory controlled or occupied by Russia has increased to 150 square kilometers .
What is happening in Sumy region now?
According to the DeepState interactive map, Russian units are gradually advancing deep into the Sumy region, capturing settlements and adjacent territories in the border zone. The most active actions are recorded in areas adjacent to the Kursk and Belgorod regions of the Russian Federation.
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Analysts note that in this way the Russian army is trying to create a buffer zone along the state border of Ukraine. According to their statements, this will allow:
- Reduce the possibility of Ukrainian strikes on the Russian border infrastructure;
- Create a bridgehead for further pressure on the Sumy region;
- Conduct regular shelling and sabotage.
The current situation and threat to the city of Sumy itself
As of April 16, 2026, according to the same map from the DeepState analytical project :
- Russian troops control or are in a “gray zone” about 22 kilometers from the city of Sumy itself, and part of the border territories of Sumy Oblast that border the Kursk and Bilhorod Republics of the Russian Federation.
- The advance is slow, but periodically expands along the entire length of the border region of Sumy Oblast.
- Ukrainian forces continue to defend key areas and strike enemy positions, according to the General Staff .
DeepState updates the map quite often, and the latest data clearly shows the expansion of the harsh zone from the Russian side, specifically in the Sumy region.
Why it’s important, but don’t panic
The creation of a “gray zone” is a tactic of the aggressor state of the Russian Federation, which consists of:
- Increasing moral pressure on the civilian population of border villages and towns;
- Complicating the logistics of border towns and villages through drone air attacks, thereby complicating the defense capabilities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine;
- It creates a constant threat of chaotic shelling of civilians and sabotage.
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Local residents have repeatedly reported evacuations, increased shelling, and the appearance of enemy DRGs in border areas.
Conclusion
Although without noticeable success, Russian troops are still implementing the strategy of creating a buffer zone along the border with Sumy region. In recent weeks, the area of the captured territory, according to DeepState, has reached about 150 km² and the situation remains tense, as Ukrainian forces continue to repel the enemy.
