Volchansk stands firm: Ukrainian forces battle Russian onslaught

Fierce battles for Volchansk in the Kharkiv region continue. "The enemy is achieving tactical success and has penetrated our defense," the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported from Sunday night to Monday. They also noted that the Russians initiated an attack with five battalions, resulting in 100 of Vladimir Putin's soldiers being killed in a single day. Almost 6,000 civilians have fled the region.

The operational situation in Kharkiv remains complex and constantly changing. "The border town of Volchansk is resisting the Russian invaders—the enemy deployed significant forces to seize the town and seems indifferent to their losses," the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine warns.

This statement was published overnight from Sunday to Monday. Ukrainians acknowledge that "the Russian army is achieving tactical success."

"The enemy deployed significant forces to attack the town with up to five battalions, disregarding their own casualties. Russian invaders lost more than 100 soldiers in this direction in just one day," the statement said.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine states that the Ukrainian military is engaged in defensive operations, inflicting damage on the enemy with fire, and utilizing drones for reconnaissance and targeting. "Plans are in place to eliminate the enemy forces that have penetrated our defense," they confirmed.

The Russian army has reportedly taken control of at least nine villages in the bordering Kharkiv region.

Status as of May 10, 2024:

The Ukrainian side highlights its efforts in repelling attacks and striving to retain control over the targeted settlements, inflicting significant losses on the aggressor.

Status as of May 12, 2024:

"Reserves are being deployed to stabilize the situation, with a primary focus on protecting the lives of our soldiers," the General Staff announced.

According to the Ukrainian portal Obozrevatel, as of 6 p.m. Eastern Time on May 12, "all streets of Volchansk are under the control of the Armed Forces of Ukraine." Despite this, the city faces ongoing Russian bombardments.

Oleh Sinehubov, head of the region's administration, reported on Sunday evening that almost 6,000 residents have had to be evacuated from the region.

This figure includes all residents evacuated since the start of the Russian offensive in the Kharkiv region.

Sinehubov urged the residents of Volchansk and the surrounding villages to "prioritize safety and evacuate to safer areas of the country."

"The situation is extremely challenging, with enemy FPV drones constantly flying over Volchansk. This significantly endangers police officers and volunteers who are risking their lives to evacuate civilians," said Tamaz Gamkrelidze, head of the Volchansk military administration, as quoted by the Reuters agency. He affirmed that despite the Russian assaults, the city remains under the control of Ukrainian forces.