Russia seizes control of 5 villages in northeast Ukraine, prompting over 1,700 civilians to flee

In a renewed ground assault in northeastern Ukraine, Moscow’s forces captured five villages, as reported by the Russian Defence Ministry on Saturday. Associated Press journalists in the city of Vovchansk witnessed multiple buildings destroyed after Russian airstrikes and barrages of Grad rockets. Ukrainian officials did not confirm the capture of the villages, which are located in a contested “grey zone” on the border of Ukraine’s Kharkiv region and Russia.

Ukrainian journalists reported that Russian troops took control of several villages, including Borysivka, Ohirtseve, Pylna, and Strilecha. The Institute for the Study of War confirmed the capture of at least one village and described the recent Russian gains as “tactically significant.”

The assault has led to the evacuation of over 1,700 civilians from settlements near the fighting. The ongoing attacks by Russia have intensified since March, targeting energy infrastructure and settlements, with the aim of shaping conditions for an offensive.

In Vovchansk, airstrikes and Grad rockets continued to rain down, forcing police and volunteers to evacuate residents. The city was described as being in chaos, with buildings destroyed, fires raging, and constant airstrikes. Evacuees expressed fear and uncertainty about the situation, with tearful goodbyes being exchanged as they left their homes.

The recent push by Russia in the Kharkiv region aims to exploit ammunition shortages and pin down Ukrainian forces to prevent them from joining heavy battles in other regions. Ukrainian officials have downplayed Russian statements about captured territory and are rushing reinforcements to hold off the advancing forces. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on Western allies to ensure swift deliveries of promised military aid to bolster Ukrainian defenses.