Ukrainian authorities have initiated large-scale evacuations of communities in the northern Sumy region near the Russian border due to prolonged and intensified shelling, according to local officials. Over the past three days, more than 180 residents from areas near Velikopysarska community, close to the border, have been evacuated, as reported by the military administration of Sumy region via the Telegram messaging app.

The region has experienced escalating attacks, leading to three fatalities and 13 injuries in the past five days alone. Approximately 4,500 residents from 22 villages in Sumy region have been evacuated, although no specific timeframe was provided.

Velikopysarska, situated just a few kilometers from the Russian village of Kozinka, has experienced significant damage following an incursion by armed groups, according to local authorities in Russia. These groups, claiming to comprise Russians opposed to the Kremlin, declared a military operation in the area.

Meanwhile, the governor of Belgorod region, Vyacheslav Gladkov, reported continued shelling in his jurisdiction, with one person injured. Despite touring border areas and asserting the absence of enemy forces, Gladkov stated that air defense units in the neighboring Russian region of Kursk had downed three Ukrainian drones. Reuters could not independently verify the reports of military activity from either side.