'Vovchansk is turning into Bakhmut or Maryinka' - Kharkiv regional police

Illustrative photo: Russians hit Vovchansk with anti-aircraft guns (Getty Images)

Vovchansk in the Kharkiv region is transforming into Bakhmut or Maryinka due to constant airstrikes by Russians from the air, stated the chief of police of the Kharkiv region, Volodymyr Tymoshko,

According to him, within three days of the Russian offensive, Vovchansk "suffered like it hasn't suffered since 2022." In particular, the Russians are using a large number of guided aviation bombs to strike the city.

"These are bombs weighing 250, or even 500 kilograms, which can demolish a multi-story building. In a sense, Vovchansk is turning into Bakhmut or Maryinka," Tymoshko emphasized.

He clarified that the enemy's target is not only Ukrainian defenders but also police and rescuers. Therefore, armored vehicles are involved in evacuating civilians.

According to the chief of police of the Kharkiv region, the Russians are employing a scorched-earth tactic, where a certain territory is initially shelled by artillery and guided bombs, and then they enter this territory.

"Any resident who remains unevacuated will suffer," he added.

Airstrikes by guided bombs on Vovchansk

It is worth noting that Vovchansk is located in the northern part of the Kharkiv region near the border with Russia. After the start of the Russian offensive on the area, the shelling of the city significantly intensified.

On May 12, by the spokesperson of the operational-strategic group Khortytsia, Nazar Voloshyn, over 20 guided bombs hit the Vovchansk community within a day.

More details about the situation in the city - in the material by RBC-Ukraine.