NEW DELHI: Russia he demanded the occupation of five villages UkraineNorth East Kharkov regionleading to an escalation of tensions in progress conflict. President Volodymyr Zelensky made an urgent appeal for military assistance as Ukrainian troops launch counterattacks aimed at thwarting the Russian attack.
Moscow’s defense ministry announced the “liberation” of five villages in Kharkiv near the border with Russia, along with the occupation of one village in the Donetsk region. The offensive follows Russia’s reported incursion into the Kharkiv region, marking little progress in the border area from which it was repelled almost two years ago.
In a televised speech, President Zelensky emphasized the need to interrupt Russian offensive plans, describing it as the country’s highest priority. Massive fighting was reported in the border area, resulting in the evacuation of 1,775 people. Tragically, two men were killed and two others injured in bomb attacks in the city of Vovchansk.
Despite assurances from the Governor of the Kharkiv Oblast, Oleg Synegubov, that there was currently no immediate threat to the city of Kharkiv from ground operations, residents of the border areas fled in fear. The evacuees, many of whom were elderly, sought shelter in reception centers near Kharkov, where they received the necessary assistance.
The situation remains uncertain, with aid workers highlighting the challenges of evacuating residents in the face of continued troop movements and increased threats. Zelensky reiterated the urgent need for international support, emphasizing the importance of timely arms deliveries to strengthen Ukrainian defense.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces have intensified attacks in Russia and Russian-occupied territories, targeting energy infrastructure. In a retaliatory attack, a rocket hit a restaurant in the Russian-controlled city of Donetsk, killing three people and injuring several others.
Analysts speculate that Russia’s ground operation is aimed at creating a buffer zone near the Belgorod Oblast or diverting Ukrainian resources from the Donetsk Oblast. Despite Washington’s announcement of a military aid package for Ukraine worth $400 million and assurances about its ability to repel fresh Russian campaigns, the situation on the ground remains unstable.
Moscow’s defense ministry announced the “liberation” of five villages in Kharkiv near the border with Russia, along with the occupation of one village in the Donetsk region. The offensive follows Russia’s reported incursion into the Kharkiv region, marking little progress in the border area from which it was repelled almost two years ago.
In a televised speech, President Zelensky emphasized the need to interrupt Russian offensive plans, describing it as the country’s highest priority. Massive fighting was reported in the border area, resulting in the evacuation of 1,775 people. Tragically, two men were killed and two others injured in bomb attacks in the city of Vovchansk.
Despite assurances from the Governor of the Kharkiv Oblast, Oleg Synegubov, that there was currently no immediate threat to the city of Kharkiv from ground operations, residents of the border areas fled in fear. The evacuees, many of whom were elderly, sought shelter in reception centers near Kharkov, where they received the necessary assistance.
The situation remains uncertain, with aid workers highlighting the challenges of evacuating residents in the face of continued troop movements and increased threats. Zelensky reiterated the urgent need for international support, emphasizing the importance of timely arms deliveries to strengthen Ukrainian defense.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces have intensified attacks in Russia and Russian-occupied territories, targeting energy infrastructure. In a retaliatory attack, a rocket hit a restaurant in the Russian-controlled city of Donetsk, killing three people and injuring several others.
Analysts speculate that Russia’s ground operation is aimed at creating a buffer zone near the Belgorod Oblast or diverting Ukrainian resources from the Donetsk Oblast. Despite Washington’s announcement of a military aid package for Ukraine worth $400 million and assurances about its ability to repel fresh Russian campaigns, the situation on the ground remains unstable.
