In February 2025, Russian forces launched a cross-border offensive from Russia into Ukraine's adjacent Sumy Oblast. The operation succeeded Russia's efforts to regain control of Kursk Oblast, following Ukraine's Kursk campaign in 2024. Russia entered the Sumy region near the villages of Novenke and Basivka. By the end of February, Ukraine's Center for Combatting Disinformation acknowledged the presence of Russian forces, while DeepState described Basivka and Novenke as "gray zones."