Russia launches new ground offensive in Ukraine's Kharkiv region

Russia launched attacks on eastern Ukraine's Kharkiv region, securing two pockets along the border totaling around 130 km2. However, the advance is shallow, reaching only eight kilometers deep and has not breached the main defense line. Over 30 villages and towns in the region have been pounded by Russian forces, with reports of intense shelling and gunfire. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the situation as "fierce fighting," while Russian President Vladimir Putin replaced Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.

According to reports, a total of 4,073 people have been evacuated from areas near the Russian border in Kharkiv. A 63-year-old man was killed by artillery fire in the village of Glyboke, while a 38-year-old man was wounded in Vovchansk. Ukrainian authorities claim that attempts by Russian forces to break through their defenses have been stopped, but analysts warn of an impending Russian offensive due to Ukraine's chronic shortages of manpower and weapons.

Russia launched a surprise ground offensive into Ukraine's northeast Kharkiv region, with civilians told to flee border areas as heavy fighting raged between Russian and Ukrainian forces. According to a high-ranking Ukrainian military source, Russia advanced by one kilometer. The assault was aimed at piercing Ukrainian defenses near Vovchansk, with analysts suggesting it could mark the start of a Russian attempt to carve out a "buffer zone". Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that intense battles were taking place in the region.