Russia Masses 50,000 Troops Near Ukraine Sumy, Kharkiv Borders

Russian forces have amassed approximately 50,000 troops near Ukraine's northern Sumy and Kharkiv regions, signaling potential preparations for a large-scale summer offensive. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the buildup and noted ongoing efforts to prevent Russian advances, while also highlighting Russia's aim to establish a 10-kilometer buffer zone along the border. Analysts and officials, including British military expert Michael Clarke and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, anticipate a prolonged conflict, with Russia likely seeking to regain lost territory and push into key cities such as Kharkiv and Sumy. Despite some limited Russian attacks yielding few results, preparations for intensified operations continue, although Russia's diminishing armored and artillery resources could limit its capabilities by autumn. Diplomatic efforts for ceasefire talks remain stalled, with venues like Turkey, the Vatican, and Switzerland considered for future negotiations. Meanwhile, Western leaders acknowledge that Russia shows no intention of ending the war soon, reinforcing concerns over a prolonged and intensified conflict.