Russian flag “destroyed” – Zelensky comments on situation in Sumy region’s village

That’s according to Zelensky’s statement posted on social media and seen by Ukrinform.

“In the village of Ryzhivka, the occupiers attempted a propaganda operation. As of this morning, the Russian flag has been destroyed, and there is no enemy presence in the village,” the president wrote.

Ukrainian forces are fully in control of the situation in the Sumy region, Zelensky added, noting that Russian sabotage groups remain active “but are being eliminated and will continue to be dealt with decisively”.

He added that this week is “crucial” for Ukraine’s international standing.

“Diplomacy must always be supported by effective strength. Therefore, we must withstand any Russian attacks and provocations on the frontlines and in border areas. We need to inflict losses on the occupiers that bring us closer to our Ukrainian victory on all levels,” Zelensky concluded.

As reported earlier, Chechen leader and Vladimir Putin’s ally Ramzan Kadyrov said June 9 that the predominantly ethnic Chechen unit Akhmat allegedly captured the village of Ryzhivka in Sumy region near the border with Russia’s Kursk region, noting that it took three days to complete the mission.

As is known, Ryzhivka became a "dead" village back in the spring of 2024 after almost the entire civilian population evacuated the area as not a single building in the village remained unaffected.

As of May 22, 2024, seven residents remained in the area as per the local community administration report. In total, more than 1,500 civilians were evacuated from the Bilopillia community and Vorozhba this May.

The head of the Bilopillia community, Yuriy Zarko, said earlier today that there were no Russian soldiers in the village of Ryzhivka, adding that the widely circulated video was a hoax.