Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Shaun Walker south of Vovchansk

‘Why the hell didn’t you leave earlier?’: the battle to evacuate residents as Russia advances in Kharkiv

Residents of Vovchansk and nearby villages arrive at the evacuation point in the Kharkiv region
Residents of Vovchansk and nearby villages arrive at the evacuation point, an undisclosed location in the Kharkiv region. Photograph: Jędrzej Nowicki/The Guardian

Evacuating the last remaining residents of Vovchansk, the town at the centre of Russia’s recent offensive in Kharkiv region, becomes more dangerous with every passing day.

As fierce street battles between Russian and Ukrainian forces continue in the northern part of the town, a band of local police and volunteers have been journeying in daily to evacuate the last, terrified residents out of a place which was once home to 18,000 people.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.