Russian forces are attempting to create an active fighting zone in Ukraine's northeastern region of Sumy, across the border from Russia's Kursk region, Ukraine's border guard spokesman said on Monday.

The Russian army is trying to establish a foothold near the village of Novenke in the Sumy region and cut off logistical routes. — Ukrinform.

Russia claimed on Sunday that it had retaken control of four settlements in the Kursk region, as Moscow continues to try to push out Ukrainian troops which have held large chunks of territory in the region following an incursion last August.