Thousands of civilians fled the renewed Russian ground assault in northeastern Ukraine, targeting towns and villages with a barrage of artillery and mortar shells, officials reported Sunday.
The governor of Kharkiv region, Oleh Sinehubov, stated that the entire northern border of the region is under Russian fire "almost around the clock," with Moscow's continued attack prompting thousands to evacuate their homes.
Sinehubov posted on social media: "All northern border areas are under enemy fire almost around the clock. The situation is tough."
He further added that intense fighting erupted along the northeastern frontline, with Russian forces attacking 27 settlements within the past 24 hours.
Attack on Kharkiv
The Russian Defense Ministry announced Sunday that its forces had seized four villages on the border along Ukraine's Kharkiv region, in addition to five villages captured on Saturday.
These areas were likely weakly fortified due to dynamic combat and constant heavy shelling, facilitating Russian advancement, while Ukrainian leadership did not confirm Moscow's gains.
Fierce battles forced at least one Ukrainian unit to withdraw from Kharkiv region, surrendering more territory to Russian forces across less defended settlements in the so-called "gray zone" along the Russian border.
By Sunday afternoon, the town of Vovchansk emerged as a pivotal point in the battle, with its pre-war population of 17,000.
Vladimir Timoshko, head of Kharkiv regional police, stated that Russian forces were on the outskirts of the town, advancing from three directions.
Timoshko also noted the sighting of a Russian tank along a major road leading to the town, indicating Moscow's confidence in deploying heavy weaponry.
Russian tactics in Vovchansk mirror those used in battles in Bahmut and Avdiivka in Donetsk region, where intense airstrikes were accompanied by large infantry assaults.
Preempting Western Support
Analysts suggest that the Russian campaign aims to exploit ammunition shortages before promised Western supplies reach the frontline.
Ukrainian soldiers reported Kremlin's customary Russian tactic of disproportionate fire and infantry assaults to wear down their forces and firepower.
By intensifying battles in what was previously a static patch of the frontline, Russian forces threaten to encircle Ukrainian troops in the northeast while launching intense fighting in the south, where Moscow is also gaining ground.
These Russian assaults come as Ukraine awaits Western military support, especially after the US House of Representatives approved a $61 billion aid package.
CIA Director Bill Burns warned that without additional US assistance, Ukraine could lose the war to Russia by the end of this year.
Zelensky Speaks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that halting the Russian offensive in the northeast is a priority, with Kyiv's forces continuing counter-offensive operations in seven villages around Kharkiv region.
Zelensky added, "Thwarting Russian offensive intentions is our top priority now. Our success in this mission depends on every soldier, sergeant, and officer."
In the early days of the war, Russia attempted a swift advance into Kharkiv but retreated from its outskirts after about a month.
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