On July 22 (Moscow time), according to TASS news agency, Russian military expert Andrey Marochko said that most of the Ukrainian army forces had withdrawn from the residential area of Pisarevka, in Sumy province, after Russia intensified offensive operations in this area.
According to Mr. Marochko, Ukrainian units have withdrawn to the Khoten residential area, located near Pisarevka, in the context of Russia continuing to expand military pressure.
Most Ukrainian gunmen have left Pisarevka to retreat to Khoten, where we regularly conduct fire operations. Therefore, the combat situation for the Ukrainian side in this area is worsening day by day," Mr. Marochko shared.
Previously, Mr. Marochko said that Russian forces had controlled most of the residential area of Pisarevka, but had not yet declared complete control of this area.
According to Mr. Marochko's assessment, Russia's expansion of control in Pisarevka has forced Ukrainian forces to adjust their defense formations and retreat to rear positions to avoid damage.
He also said that Khoten continues to be the target of fire attacks from Russia, causing difficulties for Ukrainian forces in organizing defense and stabilizing new combat lines.
Pisarevka and Khoten are both located in Sumy province, northeastern Ukraine, bordering Russia. This is one of the areas that regularly records fighting and shelling since the conflict between the two countries broke out.
Recently, Russia has repeatedly announced the expansion of military operations in Sumy province to create a security buffer zone along the border area. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian side said they are still maintaining defense and counter-attack operations in many areas on the battle line.
To date, the Ukrainian side has not commented on Mr. Marochko's statement.
Sumy province continues to be one of the areas of intense fighting, as military operations between Russia and Ukraine are still taking place in many areas along the border area.
