As Russia continued its offensive in Ukraine, thousands of people were evacuated from border areas in the Kharkiv region. The surprise attack began on Friday, with Russian troops making small advances. Several civilians have been killed, including a 63-year-old man in the village of Glyboke.
Witnesses described the harrowing experience of being evacuated from the town of Vovchansk, with many elderly residents disoriented by the sudden upheaval. Despite the danger, evacuees received assistance from volunteers and were taken to safety in the city of Kharkiv.
The situation in Kharkiv region deteriorated significantly, with constant shelling and drone strikes causing widespread destruction. Ukrainian forces are holding back Russian advances but face challenges in defending their positions.
President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the importance of disrupting Russian offensive plans and called on allies for urgent arms deliveries. Ukrainian officials had previously warned of potential attacks on the northeastern border regions, underscoring the urgent need for support amidst the ongoing conflict.