Ukrainian Civilians Evacuated Amid Intensifying Russian Shelling in Kharkiv Region
Ukrainian authorities have issued mandatory evacuation orders for around 12,000 civilians in the eastern Kharkiv region due to continuous Russian shelling.
The military administration in the Kupiansk district has instructed residents to comply with the evacuation order or acknowledge the risks of remaining.
Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Maliar acknowledged the high intensity of combat and enemy shelling in the area, emphasizing Russia’s efforts to make advances.
Tensions and Counteroffensive in Kupiansk Area
The city of Kupiansk and its surroundings were previously under Russian occupation until Ukrainian forces launched a successful counteroffensive in September 2022.
Maliar revealed that Russia is currently attempting to push forward in the region with a focus on advancing towards Kupiansk, a strategically significant rail junction.
Ukraine National Guard spokesman Ruslan Muzychuk noted the concentration of Russian assault troops, tanks, aviation, and artillery in the Kupiansk area.
Alleged Attack on Civilian Infrastructure in Zaporizhzhia
Ukraine has accused Russia of attacking a “civilian infrastructure object” in the Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia.
Anatoliy Kurtev, the secretary of Zaporizhzhia city council, confirmed a fire resulting from the attack and mentioned two injuries, refraining from providing further details.
Russian Air Defence Systems Down Drones Near Moscow
Russian air defence systems intercepted and shot down two drones for the second consecutive day, both headed towards Moscow.
These incidents disrupted flights at two international airports.
One drone was brought down in the Kaluga region southwest of Moscow, while another was intercepted near a major Moscow ring road.
Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin confirmed the incidents, reporting no casualties or immediate damage.
Kyiv’s Response and Impact on Moscow
Kyiv officials neither confirmed nor denied Ukraine’s potential involvement in the drone strikes.
Air Force spokesman Yurii Ihnat expressed a degree of satisfaction, suggesting that the strikes are causing concern among Moscow residents.
He noted that Moscow is now experiencing regular disruptions, implying an increased impact of the conflict on Russian territory.
