Russia intensifies offensive in Kharkiv, thousands evacuated

The renewed offensive began over a week ago, forcing Ukrainian authorities to evacuate around 8,000 civilians from the strategically important town of Vovchansk, located just three miles from the Russian border.

Kharkiv Governor Oleh Syniehubov, via Telegram, reported a total evacuation of 9,907 people from three districts: Chuguyiv, Kharkiv, and Bogoduhiv.

The Russian military follows a well-established strategy, bombarding towns and villages with airstrikes before deploying ground troops to capture the shattered remains. Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, endures daily airstrikes amid ongoing heavy fighting.

The offensive marks a new front in the ongoing war, putting immense pressure on Ukrainian forces already stretched thin across the northeast.

Following weeks of reconnaissance, Russia launched the offensive, exploiting identified Ukrainian personnel shortages in the region. (ILKHA)