Ukraine has reported engaging approximately 30,000 Russian soldiers at the border near Kharkiv, resulting in the evacuation of numerous civilians due to intense fighting.
The National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine stated that Russia is employing 30,000 of its 50,000 gathered soldiers to launch attacks, as part of a new offensive in the northeast. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared on Monday that he has dispatched reinforcements to the region to counter Russian assaults. He assured that the troops are equipped with necessary firepower, and their effectiveness is improving.
Zelenskyy emphasized, "We are targeting the enemy's infantry and armored vehicles," noting the enemy's strategy to stretch Ukrainian forces thin. The president's address followed days of shelling in the region, particularly in Vovchansk, where officials reported destruction from mortars and cluster bombs, along with ongoing gunfights in the city's northern outskirts.
In the midst of the conflict, approximately 5,900 civilians have been evacuated from the area, fleeing towards Kharkiv. However, around 200 people remain in Vovchansk. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude towards local authorities for assisting in the evacuations despite continuous Russian strikes.
In a Monday update, Russia's military claimed to have "improved the tactical situation" by striking Ukrainian troops and military hardware in the Kharkiv region, particularly near Vovchansk.