In the aftermath of Russia’s recent attack, civilians in Kharkiv have been forced to flee their homes. Oleg Sinegubov, the regional governor, provided an update on Telegram this morning, shedding light on the dire situation.
Evacuation Numbers
A total of 1,775 people have evacuated from Ukraine’s second-largest city. Here’s the breakdown:
- 1,048 individuals fled from the Chuhuiv district, which includes the town of Vovchansk. As previously reported, Vovchansk has a population of approximately 3,000.
- 440 people were evacuated from the Kharkiv district, encircling the city itself.
- 12 individuals sought refuge from the Bohodukhiv district, located northwest of Kharkiv.
- Additionally, 275 people were evacuated by volunteers across the region.
The Impact of Russian Attacks
The situation remains tense as Russian forces continue their assault on Kharkiv. Shelling has targeted residential areas, resulting in casualties and damage to critical infrastructure. Oleh Synehubov, the governor of Kharkiv region, reported that a 49-year-old man lost his life in Slobozhanske village due to Russian shelling. An 82-year-old woman was killed, and two men were injured during overnight attacks in Kharkiv city.
In an industrial district of Kharkiv, a Russian missile struck a civilian enterprise, injuring six employees. Meanwhile, in Odesa, three people were injured by another missile strike. The toll on civilians is devastating, and the city is grappling with the aftermath of these attacks.
Ukrainian Air Force Response
The Ukrainian Air Force has been vigilant in countering Russian aggression. Overnight, they successfully downed 13 Shahed drones launched by Russia toward the Kharkiv and Dnipro regions. However, falling debris from the downed drones injured four people and caused a fire in an office building.
Additionally, Ukrainian forces shot down a Russian Su-25 fighter-bomber over the Donetsk region in eastern Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy emphasised the need for focus during these critical days.
Ocheretyne: A Village Under Siege
The Ukrainian village of Ocheretyne, located in the Donetsk region, has borne the brunt of the fighting. Russian troops have advanced in the area, subjecting Kyiv’s depleted forces to artillery, drones, and bombs. Despite the challenges, residents continue to flee the village. Among them is a 98-year-old woman who walked nearly 10 kilometres (about 6 miles) alone, supported by a cane, until she reached the Ukrainian frontline.
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