The order to evacuate civilians from the city of Kupyansk and three neighboring communities was given by Ukrainian authoritiesdue to the intensification of Russian attacks in the region, as the regional governor stated today.
According to a Telegram post by Governor Oleh Sinekhubov on Tuesday, nearly 350 people, including around 30 children, were evacuated from these communities in northeastern Ukraine. In total, “around 10 thousand people will have to be evacuated”, he added, urging residents to move as quickly as possible. “The enemy attacks insidiously and incessantly,” said Sinekhubov.
On Tuesday, he warned that authorities could no longer “guarantee” water, electricity and heating in the region due to “continuous” Russian bombings that prevent crews from restoring damaged networks.
Regular target of Russian attacks
Kupyansk, a railway hub in Kharkiv Oblast located on the border with Russia, had a population of over 26,000 before the Russian invasion that began in February 2022.
The city, which was under Russian army control, was recaptured by Kiev forces in September of that year, but is regularly the target of Russian air strikes as the front is just 10 kilometers away.
Ukraine’s energy infrastructure has been seriously damaged by Russian bombing, causing regular blackouts and raising fears of a very difficult winter for Ukrainians.
Ukraine: Cities and communities near Kharkiv are being evacuated