Intensified fighting is ongoing in northeastern Ukraine.
Fresh clashes have erupted along Ukraine’s northeastern border after Russia stepped up attacks targeting the Kharkiv region. Officials said Russian forces have claimed the town of Vovchansk, located 45km from Kharkiv city.
However, heavy fighting will continue in the area as Ukraine’s army acknowledged “tactical successes” by Russia deploying up to five battalions. Over 6,000 civilians have reportedly fled towards Kharkiv as shelling and airstrikes escalated across 30 settlements.
While Russia claimed seizing nine villages so far, Ukraine maintained it had inflicted over 100 casualties on Russian troops in a day. Residents near the frontlines were shocked at how close the conflict had drawn.
One local from Vovchansk said heavy automatic firing and tank movements were audible from just 500 meters away across the Vovcha River.
Two deaths were also reported in Russian-controlled Donetsk city due to shelling. Meanwhile, a Russian-installed official accused Ukraine of a strike killing three in Krasnodon town.
Ukraine has not commented on these allegations. It comes after 15 casualties were confirmed in a residential building collapse in Russia’s Belgorod blamed on a downed Ukrainian missile.
As fighting intensifies along new fronts opened in recent days, thousands have fled towards Kharkiv city amid concerns over artillery range. Ukrainian forces are seeking to stem further advances in the face of intensified Russian pursuit.
