Ukrainians flee Kharkiv region, ’27 villages attacked in 24 hours’

In northeastern Ukraine, thousands of civilians have fled Russia’s new ground offensive. The governor of Kharkiv province says that at least 4,000 people have left the area since Friday and that residents are being evacuated.

A few days ago, Russia started a new offensive in the region north of Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second city. Then the border town of Vovchansk was attacked, where heavy fighting continues. Yesterday, the Russian army claimed to have captured five villages in the “gray zone”, on the border of Kharkiv province and Russia. Governor Oleh Synyehubov denied this and said Ukraine had repelled all attacks.

There is also heavy shelling along the northeastern front line today. The governor says Russian forces have attacked 27 villages in the past 24 hours. Evacuation teams are working to remove residents, including many elderly people, from the danger zone. The Ukrainian army is having a “difficult time” in Kharkiv, the country’s army leadership said on Sunday.

Take advantage of scarcity

The United States recently pledged tens of billions in support for Ukraine, which is struggling with major shortages of ammunition and equipment. Analysts think that Russia wants to take advantage of that shortage with this offensive. President Putin would also like to create a buffer zone in the area to protect the Russian city of Belgorod.

Nieuwsuur made a report about the Russian offensive in Kharkiv: