Russia expands security buffer after capturing Myropillia
Axios (Tổng hợp từ Interfax)
Russia's Defense Ministry reported capturing the village of Myropillia in Sumy Oblast, allowing it to enlarge a border security zone and strengthen defensive positions. The strategic high ground is expected to help shield Russian territory from long-range Ukrainian strikes. Independent sources confirm the village changed hands after intense combat.
Russia's Defense Ministry said on May 2, 2026, that its forces had taken control of the strategic village of Myropillia in northeastern Ukraine's Sumy Oblast. Seizing this high ground allows the Russian military to widen the security buffer along the Russia-Ukraine border while enhancing defensive posture and supporting further combat operations.
According to the Russian Defense Ministry statement, controlling Myropillia helps establish a larger safe zone to prevent long-range attacks from Ukraine into Russian territory. The village lies near the border and was previously a key Ukrainian defensive stronghold in the area.
The move comes amid fierce fighting in Sumy Oblast, where Russia has intensified military operations since early May 2026. Expanding the safety zone is seen as a tactical step to protect Russian residential areas and infrastructure from shelling and drone strikes.
Ukraine's government has not officially commented on the report. Independent accounts confirm that Myropillia fell under Russian control after several days of heavy fighting.
