Amid Russia's renewed ground offensive in Ukraine's northeast, thousands of civilians have been forced to flee as towns and villages face heavy artillery and mortar fire. The ongoing intense battles have led to at least one Ukrainian unit withdrawing in the Kharkiv region, resulting in the loss of more territory to Russian forces in the contested 'gray zone' along the Russian border.
Recent reports indicate that a 10-story apartment block collapsed in the Russian city of Belgorod, near the border, with casualties reported. Russian authorities attribute the collapse to Ukrainian shelling, although Ukraine has not officially commented on the incident.
Since the launch of Moscow's operation on Friday, over 4,000 civilians have fled the Kharkiv region, according to Governor Oleh Syniehubov. The region has witnessed heavy fighting, with Russian forces attacking 27 settlements in the past 24 hours.
Analysts suggest that Russia's current offensive aims to exploit ammunition shortages before anticipated Western supplies reach the front line. Ukrainian soldiers have noted the disproportionate use of firepower and infantry assaults by Russian forces to wear down Ukrainian troops and resources.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has emphasized the importance of disrupting Russia's offensive in the area, with Ukrainian troops engaged in counteroffensive operations in seven villages around the Kharkiv region.
The Russian Defense Ministry reported capturing five villages on the border of Ukraine's Kharkiv region and Russia, taking advantage of dynamic fighting conditions and heavy shelling. However, Ukraine's leadership has not confirmed these territorial gains.
Despite facing setbacks in some areas, Ukrainian forces continue to resist Russian advances. The recent gains by Russian forces, including the capture of several villages, have been described as 'tactically significant' by analysts.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has seen fluctuating control over key territories, with both sides engaging in strategic maneuvers and offensives. The resilience of Ukrainian forces in pushing back Russian incursions has garnered international attention and support.
