Civilians flee the town of Vovchansk as Russia intensifies its attacks on border towns
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Russia claims that its forces have entered the north-eastern border town of Vovchansk as fighting intensifies as part of a renewed ground offensive.
Ukraine has said heavy exchanges are still ongoing but they remain in control of the town.
Vovchansk is located 45 miles from Kharkiv, and is one of Ukraine’s largest cities.
Thousands of civilians have fled towards Kharkiv whilst at least four surrounding villages have been captured by Russian forces.
Nearly 6,000 people have been evacuated from the region.
The Ukrainian Defence Ministry said Russian forces had achieved “tactical successes” and 14 out of 22 attempted advances by Russia into Kharkiv are ongoing.
Vovchansk is located close to the Russian border and is 28 miles away from Kharkiv City. Credit: Google Maps
The new surprise advances began on Friday with Russian media outlets, including Mash and Readovka, reporting Russian troops have entered Vovchansk.
Head of Vovchansk’s military administration, Tamaz Gambarashvili, told Reuters the town remained under Ukrainian control with soldiers repelling Russian advances.
The Ukrainian military has said they have relieved the commander responsible for the Kharkiv region and appointed Brigadier General Mykhailo Drapatyi to lead the response.
Kharkiv regional Governor Oleh Synehubov said Russian forces were “intensifying their shelling of Vovchansk”.
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HeadlineRussia claims troops enter Ukrainian border town as new offensive begins
Short HeadlineRussia claims troops enter Ukrainian border town
StandfirstNearly 6,000 people have been evacuated from the Kharkiv region.
Russia claims that its forces have entered the north-eastern border town of Vovchansk as fighting intensifies as part of a renewed ground offensive.
Ukraine has said heavy exchanges are still ongoing but they remain in control of the town.
Vovchansk is located 45 miles from Kharkiv, and is one of Ukraine’s largest cities.
Thousands of civilians have fled towards Kharkiv whilst at least four surrounding villages have been captured by Russian forces.
Nearly 6,000 people have been evacuated from the region.
The Ukrainian Defence Ministry said Russian forces had achieved “tactical successes” and 14 out of 22 attempted advances by Russia into Kharkiv are ongoing.
Vovchansk is located close to the Russian border and is 28 miles away from Kharkiv City. Credit: Google Maps
The new surprise advances began on Friday with Russian media outlets, including Mash and Readovka, reporting Russian troops have entered Vovchansk.
Head of Vovchansk’s military administration, Tamaz Gambarashvili, told Reuters the town remained under Ukrainian control with soldiers repelling Russian advances.
The Ukrainian military has said they have relieved the commander responsible for the Kharkiv region and appointed Brigadier General Mykhailo Drapatyi to lead the response.
Kharkiv regional Governor Oleh Synehubov said Russian forces were “intensifying their shelling of Vovchansk”.
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