Support independent journalism in Ukraine by becoming a member and joining the fight to ensure truthful reporting. Recently, the head of the Bilopillia community in Sumy Oblast, Yurii Zarko, stated that there were no Russian troops present in the border village of Ryzhivka on June 9. This came after Chechen dictator Ramzan Kadyrov claimed that soldiers from the Akhmat-Chechnya regiment had captured the village, sharing a video on Telegram as evidence. Ryzhivka, located just 2 kilometers from Russia’s Kursk Oblast, is in a “grey zone” according to the DeepState monitoring service, with Russian sabotage groups attempting to infiltrate regularly.
Andrii Kovalenko, head of an anti-disinformation department at the National Security and Defense Council, dismissed Kadyrov’s claims as part of an information operation, stating that there are no activities in the border area of Sumy Oblast. Ukrainian military officials have not commented on the situation in Ryzhivka, but Ukraine’s military intelligence chief, Kyrylo Budanov, suggested in mid-May that Russian forces may launch an offensive in Sumy Oblast similar to the one in Kharkiv Oblast under more favorable conditions. President Volodymyr Zelensky also warned of Russia forming another troop grouping near Ukraine’s northern border in late May, following the liberation of Russian-occupied parts of Sumy Oblast in early April.
The region has been experiencing daily strikes from across the border since its liberation, prompting further evacuations ordered by Ukrainian authorities amid intensified attacks. The fortifications put in place to defend the region have strained struggling farmers like Viacheslav Dydarenko in the Myropillia community in Sumy Oblast, who is unable to work a significant portion of his rented land due to the conflict. Shrapnel scars and damage to his farm buildings illustrate the impact of the ongoing tensions on the agricultural sector in the area.
As tensions escalate in Sumy Oblast, Ukrainian officials remain vigilant against potential Russian offensives in the region, which has been a target for daily strikes from across the border. The ongoing conflict has led to further evacuations and increased strain on farmers like Viacheslav Dydarenko, who face challenges in working their land due to damage from the war. Despite the absence of Russian troops in Ryzhivka on June 9, concerns remain over potential incursions into the village and the need for continued monitoring and defense to protect the border areas of Sumy Oblast.
Support for independent journalism is crucial in providing accurate information about the situation in Ukraine and ensuring transparency in reporting on the ongoing conflict. By becoming a member and supporting organizations dedicated to truthful reporting, individuals can contribute to the efforts to uncover and share the truth about events like those in Ryzhivka and the broader implications for the region. The resilience of communities in Sumy Oblast, as demonstrated by individuals like Viacheslav Dydarenko, highlights the determination of Ukrainians to overcome challenges and rebuild in the face of adversity.
