As of late July 2025, the situation in Ukraine’s Sumy and Russia’s Kursk regions has been partially stabilized.
This was stated by Oleh Apostol, Commander of the Air Assault Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, in an interview with Telegraph, as reported by Ukrinform.
“In general, the situation is partially stabilized at the moment. Of course, we understand where we need to reinforce and intensify our efforts. The village of Andriivka has already been liberated, and another will follow soon. Active operations are underway (after the interview was recorded, Ukrainian Defense Forces liberated the village of Kindrativka – ed.),” Apostol said.
According to him, the Defense Forces are focusing not only on increasing capacity but also on qualitative improvements.
“For example, we’ve changed our approach to firepower, and the results are promising. There are also other technological innovations, but I won’t disclose them to the enemy. We know the occupiers will study this interview in detail,” the commander noted.
Apostol added that he is currently preparing two surprises for the Russian occupiers.
“One of the initiatives is fully prepared, while the other still requires additional resources and time. However, we’re planning to implement it soon. If successful, it will significantly complicate the enemy’s position. This concerns both technological enhancements and engineering upgrades to our defenses,” he said.
The commander noted that the Defense Forces are actively constructing kill zones (lethal areas designed to be impassable and unsurvivable for Russian personnel – ed.), and they will suffer heavy losses. “If they breach these zones, today’s casualties will pale in comparison.”
As earlier reported by Ukrinform, President Volodymyr Zelensky signed decrees appointing new commanders to lead the Joint Forces, the Unmanned Systems Forces, and the Air Assault Forces of Ukraine’s Armed Forces.
