In the area of Vovchansk, where the Russian forces have entered, there are still about 100 local residents. The Russian military is not allowing them to evacuate, threatening them with execution, according to the head of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration, Oleh Syniehubov.
"We continue our evacuation efforts, having evacuated a total of 10,700 people from the Lyptsi and Vovchansk directions, as well as from the town of Vovchansk. According to our information, approximately 100 people remain in this town, whom the Russian troops have effectively taken hostage and are not allowing to evacuate under threat of execution," Syniehubov stated.
He clarified that within the territory of the town controlled by the Russian forces, there are between 50 to 100 civilians.
"The front line runs along the Vovcha River, which is almost half of the town itself. However, to say, figuratively speaking, it's 50% would be incorrect, as there are ongoing combat operations every minute, and our soldiers are attempting to retake building by building," the head of the Regional Military Administration added.
Russian Federation's advance into Kharkiv region
At the beginning of May, Russian forces initiated offensive actions in the Kharkiv region.
According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, intense battles are taking place near the populated areas of Vovchansk, Stanitsia, and Lyptsi.
As reported by the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration, Ukrainian forces control approximately 60% of Vovchansk. However, the assaults on the city have not ceased.
According to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, as of today, the situation in the Kharkiv region remains challenging. The defense forces have managed to stabilize the situation, particularly in the city of Vovchansk.
