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.

KYIV (Reuters) -Ukrainian forces have stopped Russian troops advancing in the northeastern Sumy region and are now battling along the border to regain control, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said. In remarks released for publication by his office on Saturday,