Ukrainian forces intercept Russian sabotage group near border in Sumy Oblast

Border guards repelled an attack by Russian saboteurs in Sumy Oblast, Ukraine's State Border Guard Service reported on April 1.

Sumy Oblast borders Russia's Bryansk, Kursk, and Belgorod oblasts. Russian attacks against the region have become increasingly destructive in recent weeks, killing and injuring civilians.

Ukrainian border guards reportedly fired on the Russian reconnaissance group as it was attempting to break into Sumy Oblast.

The border guards were joined by soldiers of the National Guard and the Armed Forces of Ukraine, including artillery crews. After a gunfight, Russian saboteurs retreated, according to the report.

Over the past day, Russian forces attacked the Sumy Oblast border 39 times, targeting 11 communities in the area, the local authorities reported.