KYIV: Russia claimed on Sunday it had captured four more villages in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region, as thousands of residents were evacuated from the offensive in an area where Russian forces had been pushed back in 2022.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that “fierce fighting” was under way and governor Oleg Synegubov said “all areas” of the regional border with Russia were now “under enemy fire almost around the clock”.
The Ukrainian army, despite facing significant challenges, has managed to hold back further Russian advances, according to the country’s top commander. However, Russia’s defense ministry claims its forces have made significant territorial gains, deepening their penetration into enemy defenses.
Amidst the chaos of war, evacuation efforts are underway, with thousands of people fleeing from areas near the front line. Reports indicate that the city of Vovchansk, close to the border with Russia, is under intense bombardment, forcing residents to seek refuge elsewhere.
Emergency services have facilitated the evacuation of over 4,500 people from the Kharkiv region, but the situation remains dire for those left behind. The region is described as being “constantly under fire,” with reports of widespread destruction and civilian casualties.
Despite the challenging circumstances, Ukrainian forces are determined to resist the Russian offensive and protect their defensive positions. President Zelensky has called for Western allies to expedite arms deliveries to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities against the advancing Russian forces.
As the conflict escalates, concerns about the humanitarian situation in the Kharkiv region continue to grow. Civilians, including the elderly and vulnerable, are bearing the brunt of the violence, facing displacement and the threat of further attacks.
