Russian assaults in northeastern Ukraine have led to the evacuation of almost 1,800 individuals from the Kharkiv region, according to the regional governor.
Following Russia’s surprise incursions on Friday, heavy fighting has persisted in the border area.
Kyiv has anticipated a Russian summer offensive for some time, including a potential attempt to seize Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city.
However, Ukraine maintains that its forces are capable of resisting any assault.
On Saturday, Russia claimed to have captured five villages near the town of Vovchansk in its latest offensive. The BBC has not been able to independently verify this assertion.
The extent of Russia’s advance remains unclear – it’s uncertain whether this is a probing attack or the beginning of a larger campaign.
Ukrainian artillery guns are now retaliating. The sounds of gunfire reverberate loudly through the already bomb-ravaged streets.
According to Kharkiv regional head Oleh Syniehubov, a total of 1,775 individuals have been evacuated, with hundreds more still in Vovchansk, just 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) from the Russian border.
One resident, Serhii, recounted to the BBC that his home and vehicles were destroyed by a Russian glide bomb. His wife sustained more severe injuries and was rushed to the hospital. Small fires continued to emit smoke from the remains of his home.
Serhii expressed reluctance to leave due to concerns for their four goats.
Amidst the destruction, the shriek of more glide bombs being released and the subsequent heavy explosions were heard.
Russia’s air force is causing increasingly deadly consequences, and Ukraine currently lacks a response.
Ukrainian officials assert that while Russia has the capacity to escalate tensions in border areas, it does not have the capability to capture the city of Kharkiv itself.
Moscow aims to establish a 10km (six-mile) buffer zone for its Belgorod region following a series of Ukrainian cross-border attacks.
On Friday, the US unveiled a new $400m (£319m; €371m) military aid package for Ukraine, marking its third installment of assistance to the country after months of political deadlock.
This additional aid supplements the previous $7bn package dispatched in late April. US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken described the aid as “urgently needed,” comprising air defense munitions, artillery rounds, anti-tank weapons, and armored vehicles.
National Security Spokesman John Kirby stated on Friday that Russia is expected to “make further advances in the coming weeks to try and establish a buffer zone along the Ukrainian border.”
Moscow’s efforts to capitalize on the delayed arrival of US weaponry are evident, as it continues to advance in the eastern Donetsk region. The resurgence of heavy fighting in the northeast underscores Russia’s expanding ambitions.