Oleg Synehubov, Kharkiv OVA’s chief, urges residents to evacuate as the combat zone near Kupiansk is expanding. Russian forces are advancing and were spotted just four kilometers outside the city limits.
UkrInform reports that the governor of Kharkiv Oblast Oleh Syniehubov has advised residents to leave the front of Kupiansk as the zone of active combat action is expanding.
The city was taken by Russian troops in February 2022, at the start of the large-scale invasion. It played a crucial role in military supplies, as military personnel and weapons were transferred from the Belgorod oblast to the Russian troops near the Ukrainian city of Izium.
In September 2022 the Armed Forces of Ukraine launched an offensive and liberated Kupiansk. They forced the Russians into retreat and pushed them east beyond the Oskil River.
The summer of 2023 saw the Russian army launch another offensive against the Kupiansk front. However, despite the size and strength of the military force, progress was slow. By the autumn of 2024 the Russian army had managed to get close enough to Kupiansk that it was a threat. BBC reports that the city is constantly being shelled, and most residents have already left before the evacuation order.
During the most recent battles, Russian troops advanced to within four kilometres of Kupiansk. The Ukrainian military continues its destruction of the occupiers but the dynamic of the fighting poses a danger to civilians in this area. In order for the Ukrainian forces effectively defend the land the authorities must evacuate as many civilians as possible.
Kupiansk, and the wider Kharkiv Oblast, is currently under threat from guided bombs dropped by Russian aircraft from Belgorod Oblast. Residents have three minutes to seek shelter after the air alert signal.
“We have submitted all the necessary documents for changing the status of several settlements including Kupiansk from a possible combat zone to an active combat area. Syniehubov said that we are awaiting the decision of the relevant ministries.
He said that the authorities had submitted this request “last week” and that they expect a decision to be made on the matter in the “near future”.
“It’s a signal to people that they should leave,” said Syniehubov.
According to the Kharkiv Governor, there are 36 children remaining in the Kindrashivka community and Kurylivka community.
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