(BBC News) Russia has said its forces have entered the northeastern border town of Vovchansk, near Ukraine’s second largest city Kharkiv.
Ukraine’s military said it had “pushed the enemy back” from the northern outskirts of the town, adding it had “tactical successes” in several areas.
Russia has intensified its attacks on the region following Friday’s surprise incursions across the border, seizing at least nine villages and settlements in one of the most significant ground attacks since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022.
Thousands of civilians have fled toward Kharkiv.
There are concerns among Ukrainian commanders about what could happen if Russian troops get within artillery-range of the city.
Ukraine’s army has said that Russia has deployed “significant forces” – up to five battalions – in its latest offensive and has acknowledged Moscow’s troops have had some “tactical success”.
But in an evening statement, the army said Russia had lost more than 100 soldiers since the start of the day, adding that Ukrainian forces were restoring old positions.
It said fighting was ongoing in 12 areas and had spread to the settlement of Staritsa, to the west of Vovchansk.
Earlier, it had said reserve forces were being moved to the Kharkiv region to reinforce its defences.
Vovchansk, located 74 km from Kharkiv, has been heavily bombed in recent days, and officials in the region say Russia is targeting settlements with glide bombs.
While it is a significant town in the region, Vovchansk is not of specific military importance, though its capture would be a blow to Ukrainian morale.
Kharkiv regional head Oleh Syniehubov said Russia was trying to stretch the front line by attacking in small groups in new directions.
He told local TV that Ukrainian forces were holding Russian troops back, but warned that fighting could spread to new settlements, according to Reuters.
On Telegram, Syniehubov described the situation as “quite complicated” with Russia continuing to advance.
Work is continuing to evacuate residents in the region, with nearly 6,000 people having already been evacuated, he said, adding that 30 settlements had been struck by mortar or artillery shelling.
Some 200-300 people remain in Vovchansk, he added.
While it is thought this Russian cross-border incursion is unlikely to result in Kharkiv being captured, their gradual approach on this new, northeastern front line only increases the anxiety for those living there.
Residents fleeing towns and villages close to the fighting have been arriving in their hundreds at an aid hub in Kharkiv city.
They are being given food, and registering for shelter after leaving their homes.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crgyymn8y3ro
