Evacuations ongoing as Russian strikes increase in Kharkiv Oblast

On May 12, Kharkiv Governor Oleh Syniehubov reported ongoing civilian evacuations from northern Kharkiv Oblast due to escalating artillery and air strikes in the region. Syniehubov stated that approximately 500 individuals remain in the city of Vovchansk, situated close to the Russian border. Earlier that day, two casualties were reported in Vovchansk and the nearby village of Liptsy.

"Vovchansk, Liptsy, and all points of the northern border are under enemy fire almost around the clock. The situation is difficult," Syniehubov conveyed via Telegram. He indicated that hostilities are extending to other settlements but affirmed that Ukrainian troops continue to defend the region.

Vovchansk was previously occupied by Russian forces at the onset of the full-scale invasion but was liberated on September 11, 2022, during Ukraine's successful counteroffensive in Kharkiv Oblast.

Confirming earlier reports from May 10, President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged that Russia was conducting new offensive operations in Kharkiv Oblast, with fighting reported on the Ukraine-Russia border, approximately 30 kilometers (18 miles) north of Kharkiv city.

Russian troops persist in their attacks across multiple sectors, although their attempts to breach Ukraine's defenses have been thwarted, as reported by Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi on May 12.

"The situation is rapidly evolving" in various directions, including Kupiansk, Siversk, Lyman, and Pokrovsk, amidst ongoing fighting, noted Syrskyi. He indicated that while the enemy has achieved partial success in certain areas, Ukraine's Defense Forces are pushing them back and improving their tactical positions in others.

Andriy Yermak, head of Ukraine's Presidential Office, had previously informed Politico on April 5 that Russia could launch a new offensive targeting Kharkiv Oblast in May or early June.

Over the past two days, Syniehubov reported that more than 4,000 civilians in Kharkiv Oblast have been evacuated from their homes amidst the intensifying conflict.

Ukraine defends in northern Kharkiv Oblast, 'extremely difficult' situation in Donetsk Oblast - Zelensky

In his evening address on May 11, President Volodymyr Zelensky affirmed that Ukrainian forces are engaged in defensive operations around northern border settlements in Kharkiv Oblast. This follows reports of a Russian military attempt to breach Ukraine's defensive line in Kharkiv Oblast on May 10, with fighting persisting into the subsequent day.

Zelensky highlighted ongoing battles around settlements including Strilecha, Krasne, Morokhovets, Oliinykove, Lukiantsi, Hatyshche, and Pletenivka. "Our troops have been conducting counterattacks there for the second day, protecting Ukrainian territory," he stated.

While Ukraine's military stated that Moscow's troops had been contained in the "gray zone" border villages, Russia claimed the capture of five local settlements: Pletenivka, Ohirtseve, Borysivka, Pylne, and Strilecha.

The situation is reportedly "particularly tense" in Donetsk Oblast, particularly in the Pokrovsk direction near the villages of Semenivka and Netailove. Zelensky noted that there are more than 30 clashes daily in this region, describing the circumstances as "extremely difficult."

Ukrainian forces are also actively defending in other directions of Donetsk Oblast, including around Kupiansk, Lyman, Siversk, Kramatorsk, and Vermivka.

Zelensky expressed gratitude to each brigade for their courageous defense of positions, repelling assaults, and destroying Russian forces. "Disrupting Russian offensive plans is now the number one task," he emphasized.

Russia attacked 106 infrastructure facilities in Ukraine in one day

The Defense Ministry's Military Media Center reported on May 12 that Russia targeted 106 infrastructure facilities across nine regions in Ukraine in the past day. Various weapons were employed in these attacks, impacting 107 settlements. As a result, thousands of households in seven oblasts are currently experiencing power outages.

According to the Energy Ministry, within the last 24 hours, power was lost for 1,146 customers in Kharkiv Oblast, 4,600 households in Donetsk Oblast, 2,418 households in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, 450 in Mykolaiv Oblast, 510 in Sumy Oblast, 25,800 in Kherson Oblast, and 1,500 customers in Chernihiv Oblast. Although some settlements have since been reconnected, many still face blackouts, particularly in Donetsk Oblast, where 47,700 customers remain disconnected from the power grid.

Russia's assault on energy infrastructure on May 8 in central and western regions marked the fifth attack against Ukraine's power network this year. At least two hydroelectric power plants were forced to shut down due to the attack, exacerbating Ukraine's energy crisis.

In response to the shortage of electricity, Ukraine received emergency supplies from Poland, Romania, and Slovakia, as reported by the Energy Ministry on May 11.

Kyiv city officials initiated measures to conserve energy, including reducing evening street lighting, as announced by Serhii Popko, head of the Kyiv City Military Administration, on May 9. Additionally, Ukrenergo, Ukraine's state-owned energy operator, imposed restrictions on power supply to industry and business between 6 p.m. and midnight, while ensuring that household consumers in Kyiv are not affected.

Popko encouraged Kyiv residents to economize energy consumption during peak hours, from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., emphasizing the importance of alleviating strain on the power system during these critical periods.

David Cameron: Situation in Kharkiv 'extremely dangerous'

British Foreign Secretary David Cameron expressed grave concern over the "extremely dangerous" situation in Kharkiv during a televised interview with Sky News on May 12. Cameron emphasized the importance of Kyiv's allies providing maximum support to Ukraine in light of the ongoing crisis. He highlighted the United Kingdom's recent commitment of a £3 billion ($3.74 billion) yearly package to Ukraine, urging other nations to follow suit.

President Volodymyr Zelensky had earlier confirmed reports on May 10 of Russia's new offensive operations in Kharkiv Oblast, with fighting occurring on the Ukraine-Russia border, approximately 30 kilometers (18 miles) north of Kharkiv city.

On May 11, Ukraine's military stated that Moscow's troops had been contained in the "gray zone" border villages, while Russia claimed the capture of five local settlements: Pletenivka, Ohirtseve, Borysivka, Pylne, and Strilecha.

Regarding the delayed $61 billion U.S. military aid package approved on April 24, Cameron remarked that it would have been preferable if the funding had been provided earlier but emphasized that it will still make a significant impact. He called for other countries to match the UK's efforts in providing long-range weapons, training, and support to Ukraine.

As the new Russian offensive unfolds in Kharkiv, Ukrainian border towns have faced heavy strikes. Russian forces targeted 27 settlements in Kharkiv Oblast over the past day, resulting in the deaths of three individuals and injuries to five others.

In response to the escalating conflict, Kharkiv Governor Oleh Syniehubov reported that over the past two days, more than 4,000 civilians in Kharkiv Oblast have been evacuated from their homes.