Ukraine denies Russian forces introduced into Sumi region

Ukraine has dismissed the news that Russian forces have entered its northeast region, Sumi, naming them part of Moscow's disinformative campaign during the time Russia hits civilian areas in northeast and south of Ukraine.

Social media reported on Tuesday that Russian troops were introduced to Miropolia of Sumi from the Russian district of Kursk through the border village of Oleksandria.

“at this time there is no military data on any change of situation at the border, the situation is under”, said regional governor Volodymyr Artyukh, in the telegram.

Meanwhile, Ukraine's border service spokesman, Andriy Demchenko, told KYIV24 television that news of allegedly breaking the border in the Sum region by Russian forces are false.

The Ukraine border units have not seen any attempts to be introduced, or fighting efforts”, Demchenko said, adding that it would be very difficult for Russian forces to pass through the swampy field of the border region.

Meanwhile, in the Herson region, a 74-year-old woman lost her life and several people were injured by a Russian raid with fears in the village of Odradokaika. Russian troops carried out two more missile attacks in the town of Zlatopil of the Harkivi region, wounding 10 people, including eight women, according to regional Governor Oleh Synyehubov.

On the other hand, Russia's Defence Ministry claimed on December 10th that it invaded the village of Zovte near Pokrovski, which is an important centre for supply to Ukraine in the eastern Donjeck region. Ukraine has not yet commented on this claim, which could not be independently confirmed.

Both Ukraine and Russia are trying to strengthen their positions for negotiations before the start of the second mandate of US President-elect Donald Trump in January.

Trump's statement that it will end the nearly three-year war “within 24 hours” after taking office has caused concerns in Kiev, sparking fears that Ukraine may be forced to hand over large territories to achieve peace.

On the other hand, Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) announced on December 10th that it has arrested a citizen of dual citizenship, Russian and German, under suspicion of planning a sabotage act on a railway in Nizhni Novgorod. Ukrainian officials have not commented on this claim.

Western officials have accused Russia of arresting foreign citizens and persons of dual citizenship for political reasons, saying such individuals are being detained to be used as shopping cards in future prison exchanges.

Human rights organisations also report that nearly 900 Russians have been convicted of treason, spying or co-operation with foreign governments since the beginning of the entire invasion of Ukraine by Russia. / REL/