VILCHA, Ukraine. Thousands of civilians are fleeing from Russia’s renewed ground offensive in Ukraine’s northeast, as towns and villages face relentless artillery and mortar fire, officials reported on Sunday.
The escalating battles have led to the withdrawal of at least one Ukrainian unit in the Kharkiv region, conceding more territory to Russian forces along less fortified settlements in the contested “gray zone” bordering Russia.
By Sunday afternoon, the town of Vovchansk, with a prewar population of 17,000, became a focal point of the conflict. Volodymyr Tymoshko, the head of the Kharkiv regional police, confirmed Russian forces’ proximity to the town, deploying heavy weaponry including tanks, signaling Moscow’s aggressive approach.
Witnesses reported plumes of smoke rising from Vovchansk as evacuation efforts raced against time to relocate residents, predominantly elderly, out of harm’s way.
Governor Oleh Syniehubov stated that over 4,000 civilians have fled the Kharkiv region since Moscow’s offensive began on Friday, with heavy fighting continuing along the northeast front line. Russian forces have targeted 27 settlements in the past 24 hours alone.
Analysts suggest that Russia aims to exploit ammunition shortages before anticipated Western supplies arrive at the front line. Ukrainian soldiers allege that Moscow is employing tactics to exhaust Ukrainian troops and firepower, pinning them in the northeast while advancing in other strategic areas.
This resurgence in hostilities follows Russia’s intensified attacks in March, targeting energy infrastructure and settlements, laying the groundwork for a major offensive.
Meanwhile, in the Russian city of Belgorod near the border, a 10-story apartment block collapsed, injuring at least 19 people. Russian authorities attributed the incident to Ukrainian shelling, though Ukraine has not commented.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized halting Russia’s offensive as a priority, affirming ongoing counteroffensive operations in seven villages around the Kharkiv region.
Russian claims of capturing five villages on the Ukraine-Russia border have not been independently confirmed by Ukrainian authorities. However, Ukrainian units acknowledge forced retreats in some areas, with Russian tactics mirroring previous battles in other regions.
The recent gains by Russian forces, including the capture of strategic villages, have been deemed “tactically significant” by analysts. The conflict, marked by fluctuating territorial control, has seen Ukraine’s army repelling Russian advances in the past.
In the war’s early stages, Russia attempted to seize Kharkiv but retreated after a month. Ukraine’s subsequent counterattack in 2022 demonstrated its capability to resist Russian aggression, garnering international support for its defense efforts.
