Russia claims it took control of another settlement in Ukraine’s border region of Sumy

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) - Russia on Sunday claimed that it took control of another settlement in Ukraine’s northeastern border region of Sumy.

According to a Defense Ministry statement, Russian forces in the region captured the village of Oleksiivka, located about 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) from Ukraine’s border with Russia.

The village is also situated about 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) north of the city of Sumy, the region’s administrative center.

Ukrainian authorities have not immediately commented on Russia’s claim, and independent verification of the claim is difficult due to the ongoing conflict, now in its fourth year.

Moscow's claim came as Russian President Vladimir Putin announced late last month that he ordered the creation of a "security buffer zone" along his country's border with Ukraine.