It is known about the first shootings of civilians by the Russians in Vovchansk

Russian occupiers in the northern part of Vovchansk in Kharkiv Region are taking civilians prisoner, there have been recorded cases of shooting civilians.

This was announced by the head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ihor Klymenko, on May 16.

According to him, in the northern part of Vovchansk, where active hostilities are taking place, the Russian military is taking civilians captive.

«Until today, evacuation continued in that area — the National Police of Ukraine did not stop evacuating people despite all threats and under fire. As of now, according to operational information, the Russian military, who were trying to gain a foothold in the city, did not allow local residents to evacuate: people began to be kidnapped and herded into basements,» Ihor Klymenko notes.

Also, according to the minister, it is known about the first executions of civilians by the Russian military. In particular, one of the inhabitants of Vovchansk tried to escape on foot, refused to obey the commands of the invaders — the Russians killed him.

Investigators of the National Police of Ukraine in the Kharkiv region have started criminal proceedings on the facts of violation of the rules and customs of war.

It is noted that the evacuation teams of the National Police of Ukraine continue to work in Vovchansk despite intense combat clashes and are trying to ensure the further evacuation of people.

We will remind that since the beginning of the Russian offensive in the north of the Kharkiv region, 8 thousand 779 people have been deported from border settlements.

Russian offensive on Kharkiv Oblast

It will be recalled that Russian troops intensified their shelling in the northern direction of the Kharkiv region. First of all, the enemy attacks the city of Vovchansk.

Reserve units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine have been sent to strengthen the defense in the Vovchansk direction. The military continues to hold back the enemy's advance.

Subsequently, the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, confirmed that the Russian army had launched a counteroffensive in the Kharkiv direction. He noted that the military command knew about the enemy's plans for a new offensive and calculated the forces to respond to the attack.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy also reported on the strengthening of positions in the Kharkiv region, where defensive operations continue.

On May 13, the head of the Kharkiv regional state administration, Oleh Syniehubov, noted that the Russian army shelled more than 30 settlements in the Kharkiv region. Seven people were injured.

It was also reported that the pace of Russian offensive operations in the north of the Kharkiv region has slowed down. According to analysts, Russian troops prefer the creation of a «buffer zone» near the border, rather than a deeper advance into the Kharkiv region.

Currently, there are no plans to evacuate the population from Kharkiv. At the same time, people are being brought to the city from the region, from areas where hostilities are ongoing.