Ukraine orders evacuation of villages near Russia border

Ukraine has mandated the evacuation of residents from seven villages and towns along its northeastern border with Russia. This action is being taken in response to "security conditions and systematic enemy attacks," according to regional governor Oleh Syniehubov. He announced on social media that the mandatory evacuation zone is expanding towards Zolochiv.

The order affects 7,157 people, including 1,702 children and 311 individuals with limited mobility. This evacuation highlights the ongoing impact of the conflict on civilians living near the front lines. While Russia continues to advance in some areas, its progress has slowed in others in recent months, with some Russian forces being pushed back.

Russian forces initially seized a significant portion of the Kharkiv region after their full-scale invasion in February 2022. However, Ukrainian forces successfully repelled them later that year, pushing them back and disrupting Moscow's plans. The current evacuation suggests a renewed effort by Russia to establish a buffer zone in the region.

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Considering the security situation and systematic enemy attacks, we are expanding the mandatory evacuation zone in the Zolochiv direction.