Kharkiv Deputy Governor: Ukrainian Forces Currently Hold 60% of Vovchansk

Ukrainian authorities report that approximately 60% of Vovchansk in the Kharkiv region is under Ukrainian control despite sustained assaults by Russian forces, as stated by Deputy Governor Roman Semenukha in a national television address on May 20th.

“The enemy keeps trying, especially inside Vovchansk, to push the Ukrainian Armed Forces out of the town,” Semenukha said.

Ukraine’s Defense Ministry confirmed the entry of Russian units into the northern sectors of Vovchansk on May 15. At the time, Ukrainian military efforts had stopped Russia from establishing a deeper presence within Vovchansk.

Described as nearly destroyed by Ukrainian officials, Vovchansk continues to face attacks from the Russian army, including civilian executions alongside the capture of numerous civilians, reportedly used as human shields, as stated by local government.

“We are under continuous shelling. The enemy continues attacking, focusing mainly on the areas of Lyptsi and Vovchansk,” Semenukha emphasized.

The renewed fighting follows Russia’s launch of a new offensive in northern Kharkiv region on May 10th. On May 17, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that the deepest point of Russian advancement was 10 kilometers, adding that they were halted by Ukrainian defenses.

Over 10,500 civilians had to evacuate their home, Governor Oleh Syniehubov stated.