Ukraine-Russia war latest: Zelensky warns Putin is planning fresh ground invasion as Moscow’s troops gather on Sumy border
Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky has warned Moscow could be planning a fresh ground assault into Ukraine’s Sumy region, despite growing international pressure for Putin to agree to a ceasefire.
The Ukrainian president claimed that Russia is amassing troops across the border from the northeast region, indicating that they are planning renewed attacks amid ceasefire talks.
His warnings were echoed by Andriy Kovalenko, a Ukrainian military chief, who wrote on Telegram that Putin is “trying to delay the ceasefire” and is “preparing for more active actions in the border region of Sumy”.
“We are also observing directions along our eastern border of Ukraine, where the Russian army is building up forces,” Mr Zelensky wrote on X.
“This indicates an intention to attack our Sumy region. We are aware of this, and will counter it. I would like all partners to understand exactly what Putin is planning, what he is preparing for, and what he will be ignoring.”
The development comes as world leaders urge Putin to accept US president Donald Trump’s proposal for a 30-day ceasefire with Ukraine. Mr Putin said on Thursday that he supported the proposal in principle, but that Russia would fight on until several crucial conditions were worked out.
