Russian forces launched a series of heavy attacks on Sumy Oblast on Aug. 21, injuring five civilians and causing extensive damage across 16 communities. The Sumy Oblast Military Administration reported that there were 256 explosions from 113 separate attacks throughout the day.
The situation in Sumy Oblast, which shares a 245-kilometer (152-mile) border with Russia's Kursk Oblast, has become increasingly dangerous since Ukraine began its cross-border offensive into Kursk on Aug. 6.
According to the Kyiv Independent, the attacks hit several communities, including Khotin, Yunakivka, Myropillia, Bilopillia, Krasnopillia, Velyka Pysarivka, Putyvl, Nova Sloboda, Berezivka, Hlukhiv, Esman, Shalyhye, Druzhbivka, Seredyna-Buda, and Znob-Novhorodske.
The regional capital, Sumy, was also targeted.
The worst-hit area was the Krasnopillia community, where three people were injured by drones, missiles, and explosives.
Ukrainian military reports said that at least 46 mines were dropped on the town and its surroundings. Additional injuries occurred in the Hlukhiv and Druzhbivka communities after drone attacks.
Throughout the day, Russian forces used mortars, artillery, rocket launchers, unguided rockets, and drones to bombard the border communities. Krasnopillia, a town with a pre-war population of about 7,700 residents, suffered the most, with over 60 explosions reported.
In response to the escalating violence, Ukrainian authorities have started a large-scale evacuation effort.
Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko reported on Aug. 20 that about 21,000 residents have already been evacuated from Sumy Oblast, including 5,000 children. The goal is to evacuate a total of 45,000 residents from the region.
