Ukraine is locked in a fierce battle to repel a relentless Russian offensive in the Kharkiv region. Over the past few days, Russian forces have made significant territorial gains, pushing forward around 10 km into Ukrainian-controlled areas.
- Ukraine is fighting to hold off Russian forces advancing in Kharkiv
- Russia made significant territorial gains in the area over the past few days
- Ukrainian troops are evacuating civilians as battles intensify in some towns
Will Ukraine be able to stop Russia’s offensive in the Kharkiv region? As the fighting rages on, here are the key details:
Russia’s New Advance
Over the past few days, Russian troops have pushed forward about 10 km into Ukrainian-held areas of Kharkiv. This created a new front in the ongoing war.
Russia launched a surprise attack last week around the town of Vuhledar. Intense combat is now occurring in places like Vuhledar and Vovchansk as both sides battle for control.
Ukraine Evacuating Civilians
In the town of Vovchansk near the Russian border, Ukrainian police are going door-to-door to evacuate any remaining residents. This comes as Russian shelling intensifies in the area.
According to reports, around 6,000 people have been evacuated from Vovchansk and nearby towns so far. However, safe evacuation routes remain difficult, with street fighting raging in parts of Vovchansk.
Defending Kharkiv City
While Russian forces have advanced in the wider Kharkiv region, Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy says the situation in Kharkiv city itself remains “under control” for now.
However, he warned it is “tough” as Russian troops try to get within artillery range of Kharkiv to bombard the city. Thousands of Ukrainian reinforcements have been sent to slow Russia’s push.
Looking Ahead
Ukraine is bracing for more potential Russian offensives, possibly in the Sumy region northwest of Kharkiv. As both sides resupply weapons and mobilize troops, the fierce fighting will likely continue.
Can Ukraine’s defenders hold the line against Russia’s renewed Kharkiv offensive? Only time will tell in this latest upheaval of the long-running war.
