Russian troops are mounting pressure in Ukraine’s Sumy Region, whereas Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky requested allies to contribute 0.25% of their GDP to the Ukrainian military industry, with Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces (AFU) Oleksandr Syrskyi reforming the mobilisation system.
During a speech at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum, Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed the creation of a 10-12km deep buffer zone in Sumy region to protect Russia’s border areas. When asked by journalists about the possible advance of Russian troops towards the city of Sumy, he referred to an old saying:
Where the foot of a Russian soldier steps, that is ours. […] We do not have the task of taking Sumy. But, in principle, I do not rule it out.
The spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said the ceasefire in Ukraine was problematic due to the need to cease hostilities, whereas the US, UK, France and other Ukrainian allies continue to supply military equipment and ammunition.
Right now, we have a strategic advantage. Why would we lose it? We’re not going to lose it. We’re moving forward. We are advancing and will continue to advance.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a command meeting, recognising a complex situation of troops in the Sumy area. He said that 23% of all Russian strikes targeted Sumy region.
AFU challenges in south and strikes on infrastructure
The key challenge for the Armed Forces of Ukraine remains replacing equipment losses and protecting logistics. On 13 June, the US Department of Defence allocated a new $325m military aid package, including 15 Bradley and 10 Stryker armoured vehicles.
At the same time, Ukrainian media reported that the commander of the Ukrainian tactical group Vehledar, Serhiy Nayev, was dismissed, with the group itself being disbanded.
On the night of 23 June, Russian forces launched a large-scale strike on Kremenchuk, where up to 50 explosions were recorded. Local media reported a secondary attack on the local oil refinery, one of the key fuel supply facilities for the AFU in the central and eastern areas. The Ukrainian command expressed concern that the strikes on Kremenchuk could continue and create a domino effect on Ukrainian logistics.
On the same night, Russia struck other Ukrainian military facilities, including the building of Kyiv Polytechnic Institute and Antonov Serial Production Plant, which focuses on the development, production and repair of serial aircraft. These facilities were reportedly involved in the production of long-range missiles, including the Ukrainians’ redesign of German Taurus.
Kyiv’s financial demands and mobilisation efforts
Volodymyr Zelensky intensified efforts to attract international aid. Ukraine’s military-industrial complex received $43 billion in investment in 2025, but now Kyiv asks allies to allocate 0.25% of GDP for defence production annually, “because supporting Ukraine’s defence means supporting Europe’s security.”
Norway already backed the initiative, announcing $400m for drone production and the opening of a Kongsberg Defence office in Ukraine.
Ukraine is also preparing mobilisation reform. Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Oleksandr Syrskyi said that due to the widening of the front by 200 kilometres, recruitment into the army would remain compulsory, but should become more transparent.
All our Territorial Recruitment Centres [TCCs, Ukrainian enlistment offices] must change. This is the task defined by president [Zelensky]. Inspections are being carried out in TCCs, the work of commissions continues. So that those who did not fight, will be sent to the front, and wounded servicemen will come to replace them.
Additionally, Syrskyi said that Ukrainian troops switched to the new tactic of “fox holes” instead of building fortifications. He noted that defence lines as they were, for example, in Bakhmut “are no longer relevant.”
He also promised to crack down on corruption during military conscription, especially amid scandals of forced mobilisation and draft evasion. At the moment, martial law and mobilisation in Ukraine have been extended until August 2025, with the conscription age lowered to 25.
The escalation in Sumy region, criticism of Ukrainian defence fortifications and the request for 0.25% of GDP reflect Kyiv’s attempts to adapt to the protracted conflict. Meanwhile, Russian strikes on cricritical targets and the need to tighten mobilisation in Ukraine indicate growing challenges for the AFU.
