Russian forces are reportedly amassing their forces on the border with Kharkiv and Sumy as Moscow prepares for a new attack, experts say.

The Institute for the Study of War said the move is likely intended to “fix and draw” Ukraine’s army to the area and prepare for operations that aim to expand the Russian foothold in the international border area in northeastern Ukraine.

The alert comes a day after Russia’s defence ministry said its forces had captured the village of Berestove in the northeastern Kharkiv region.

Russia’s spring offensive has marked an inflection point in the conflict, with analysts saying Moscow has gained more territory in 2024 than it lost control of during Ukraine’s much-hyped counteroffensive in the summer of 2023.

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