Butusov wrote on Facebook on March 8 that Russian troops had used a gas pipeline to approach Ukrainian positions in Sudzha in Kursk Oblast. He added that the troops are being "liquidated."

"Difficult battles continue in the border area of Sumy Oblast, Russian assault units are attempting to breakthrough and move toward a highway from Yunakivka to Sudzha in Kursk Oblast," said Andrii Kovalenko,

This marks their first advance in Sumy Oblast since Ukrainian forces drove them out in 2022. Geolocated footage from March 7 shows Russian troops moved northwest of Basivka. Since mid-January, they have also advanced near Zhuravka,