CNN: Ukraine orders evacuation of northeastern city of Kupyansk as Russia claims advances
A mandatory evacuation has been ordered for the Ukrainian city of Kupyansk and its surrounding areas, as Russia intensified shelling of Ukraine’s northeastern Kharkiv region and claimed to have captured Ukrainian positions near the city on Thursday.
Kupyansk, which lies close to the Russian border, fell to Moscow’s forces within the first week of their invasion in February last year. It remained under Russian control for several months, before a swift Ukrainian offensive liberated the city in September, along with a number of other settlements in the region.
But in recent weeks Russia has stepped up its efforts to capture the city for a second time. A local Ukrainian official said Thursday that substantial Russian reinforcements had turned the northern front of Kharkiv region into the “epicenter” of hostilities, “where the enemy is concentrating its main efforts.”
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WNU Editor: I am familiar with this part of Ukraine, and I am not surprised that Ukraine has ordered the evacuation of citizens. This region is dominated by Russian-Ukrainians, and I would not be surprised if many of the local residents would be more than happy to give the positions of Ukrainian forces to the Russian military.
Ukraine Orders Evacuation Of Northeastern City Of Kupyansk
Ukraine orders mandatory evacuation of nearly 12,000 residents on eastern front line -- AP
Ukraine orders evacuation of parts of north-east -- BBC
Authorities in Ukraine’s Kupiansk urge evacuations in face of Russian advance -- AFP
Russia Claims 'Improved' Position on Northeast Ukraine Frontline -- Moscow Times
Ukraine Map Shows Russians Nearing Kupyansk as Locals Evacuated in Kharkiv -- Insider
Ukraine orders 12,000 civilians to leave eastern Kharkiv region amid Russian forces' push towards Kupiansk -- ABC News Australia
Ukraine Map Shows Russians Nearing Kupyansk as Locals Evacuated in Kharkiv -- Newsweek
Ukraine orders civilian evacuation of Kharkiv areas as Russians advance -- Al Jazeera