Ukraine Announces Mandatory Evacuation From Kupiansk Amid Russian Advances in Kharkiv Region

Oleh Syniehubov, the governor of Kharkiv region, announced that authorities would begin mandatory evacuations of residents from the city of Kupiansk and three nearby communities due to intensified Russian advances in the region, he said on a national TV on on October 16.

“Due to the security situation, a decision to intensify evacuation measures for civilians in the Kupiansk district, including the city of Kupiansk was made,” Syniehubov said.

In addition to Kupiansk, the village of Borova, another strategic location, will also be evacuated.

Kupiansk, a key strategic city that was briefly occupied by Russian forces in 2022, has been the target on intensified attacks in recent months as Russia attempts to renew its offencive in Kharkiv region.

“The situation in the Kupiansk sector is the most critical. On the east bank of the Oskil River, we can no longer ensure the restoration of essential services like electricity, heating, and water due to relentless shelling,” Syniehubov said.

He added that “repair crews immediately come under Russian fire” when attempt to conduct restoration works.

Earlier, Ukrainian authorities ordered large-scale compulsory evacuations from Pokrovsk, a crucial military logistics hub in Donetsk region.