Russia is advancing around Kostyantynivka and in the Sumy region with small, fast-moving units as both sides try a new tactic of using motorcycles and civilian cars to quickly cross open terrain.

Seizing complete control of the region − nearly one-third of which remains under Ukrainian control − has been a primary goal for the Kremlin. The arrival of summer has made it easier for Russian forces to advance.

Ukraine's army is managing to contain the current Russian military offensive in the north-eastern region of Sumy, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky. "We are in the process of levelling the position.