Ukraine Evacuates Communities Near Russian Border Amid Intensified Shelling

Ukrainian authorities have initiated large-scale evacuations of communities in the northern Sumy region near the Russian border due to prolonged intense shelling, as stated by local officials on Friday. The military administration of Sumy region, communicating via the Telegram messaging app, reported the evacuation of over 180 residents from areas near the Velikopysarska community, adjacent to the border, within the last three days.

Escalating Attacks

Despite the daily reports of Russian shelling issued by authorities in Sumy, the intensity of the attacks has escalated. The regional administration highlighted that the affected areas in Sumy region were the most tense, resulting in three fatalities and 13 injuries over the preceding five days.

Extensive Evacuation Efforts

According to the administration, a total of more than 4,500 residents have been evacuated from 22 villages in Sumy region. However, no specific timeframe for these evacuations was provided.

Cross-Border Impact

The village of Velikopysarska, located just a few kilometers from Kozinka in Russia, witnessed substantial damage this week following an incursion by armed groups, as reported by local Russian authorities. These groups, purportedly comprising of Russians opposed to the Kremlin, declared a military operation in the area.

Border Region Developments

Belgorod region's governor, Vyacheslav Gladkov, confirmed continued shelling in his jurisdiction on Thursday, resulting in one injury. Meanwhile, the governor of the neighboring Russian region of Kursk, Roman Starovoit, disclosed that three Ukrainian drones were downed by air defense units on Thursday night.