10,000 Evacuated in Kharkiv, Ukraine Amid Russian Offensive

Zelensky "Frontline Unstable"

As Russia intensifies its ground offensive, it has been confirmed that 10,000 residents of the Kharkiv region, Ukraine's second-largest city, have evacuated.

Oleh Syniehubov, Governor of Kharkiv, stated in a morning press release on the 18th (local time) that a total of 9,907 Kharkiv residents have evacuated so far.

On the 17th (local time), smoke rises from a village in Kharkiv Oblast, northeastern Ukraine, due to shelling.
[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine, said in an AFP interview published the previous day, "The situation is under control, but it is not stable," adding, "We must calmly acknowledge that they are penetrating deeper into our territory."

In the interview, he mentioned that Russian forces have advanced about 10 km from the northeastern Kharkiv region border, stating that the Russian offensive will continue and that the attack on the Kharkiv front represents the "first wave."

President Zelensky expressed concern about the Russian forces, saying, "They are like beasts," and warned, "If they find a weakness somewhere on this front, they will keep pushing forward."

He also emphasized the urgent need for Western support. To prevent Russia, which possesses 300 military aircraft, from gaining air superiority, Ukraine needs at least 130 modern aircraft. He further explained that the current air defense systems, including Patriots, are only at about 25% of what is necessary.