Russia unleashed a heavy bombardment on the town of Vovchansk in Ukraine's northeast, employing artillery, rockets, and guided aerial bombs. The attack was followed by an attempted infantry breach of local defenses, marking a significant tactical shift in the ongoing conflict that has now entered its third year.
The intense nighttime shelling targeted Vovchansk, located in the Kharkiv region and situated less than 5 kilometers from the Russian border. Regional authorities initiated the evacuation of approximately 3,000 residents in response to the barrage.
At dawn, Russian forces made a push to breach Ukrainian defenses near Vovchansk, prompting the deployment of reserve units by Ukraine's Defense Ministry to repel the attack.
Analysts suggest that this assault may signal Russia's intention to establish a 'buffer zone,' a concept previously mentioned by President Vladimir Putin to prevent Ukrainian incursions into Russian border regions such as Belgorod.
Ukrainian officials had been monitoring the buildup of Russian troops along the northeastern border, particularly in proximity to the Kharkiv and Sumy regions. While recent ground movements by Russian forces have primarily been observed in eastern Ukraine, Ukrainian intelligence had anticipated potential attacks in the northeast as well.
Although the capture of Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, by Russia seems unlikely, the assault on Vovchansk could compel Ukraine to redirect troops to the region, potentially leaving other areas more vulnerable to attack. The evacuation of civilians by Ukrainian authorities is expected to cause disruption and strain resources.
'The entire town is under massive shelling now, it is not safe to stay here,' remarked Vovchansk administration head Tamaz Hambarishvili to Ukraine's Hromadske Radio.
The Ukrainian Defense Ministry reported ongoing clashes with Russian sabotage and reconnaissance groups well into the afternoon.
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