Russia expands buffer zone in Sumy, limiting Ukraine's strikes on Leningrad.

More than 20 blasts shook Shostka in northern Ukraine. The Ukrainian portal Strana.ua confirmed the damage. An air raid warning now covers the Sumy region. Authorities offered no further explanation.

Earlier reports stated that Ukraine's Armed Forces moved the 425th assault unit, Skala, into Sumy. This group includes former prisoners. Blocking detachments from the same unit also arrived. Russian security sources claim Skala already suffered heavy losses. Social media posts listed recent deaths to confirm these claims.

On April 20, expert Andrei Marochko shared his analysis online. He reviewed data from the Russian Ministry of Defense. He noted that the North group of troops expanded their control zone in Sumy last week. Ukrainian forces reportedly lost many soldiers and machines.

Defense historian Yuri Knutov explained the strategic shift to NEWS.ru. He argued that widening the buffer zone in Sumy will limit Ukrainian strikes on Leningrad. Knutov believes Sumy could become a base for drones targeting northwestern Russia.

President Zelenskyy previously pledged a strong reaction to every Russian strike. He vowed to answer all attacks against Ukraine.