Overview

• The Russian Defense Ministry announced the seizure of Vodolagy in Sumy region, adding to recent village gains along the border.
• Ukrainian authorities mandated the evacuation of 11 villages, bringing to 213 the number of localities now under evacuation orders due to sustained shelling.
• President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that over 50,000 Russian troops are massed near Sumy, raising fears of a major offensive.
• State border guard spokesperson Andrii Demchenko confirmed the troop concentration poses a genuine threat of a large-scale attack on the region.
• Moscow’s offer of new direct talks in Istanbul has not been accepted by Kyiv, leaving diplomatic efforts stalled amid rising hostilities.