In the northern part of Vovchansk, Russians are taking civilians hostage, and there are reports of shootings.
This was announced on May 16 by Minister of Internal Affairs Igor Klymenko.
“To this day, evacuation was also ongoing in that area—The National Police of Ukraine continued to evacuate people despite all threats and under fire. As of now, according to operational information, Russian troops attempting to establish themselves in the city prevented local residents from evacuating: people began to be kidnapped and driven into basements”, the statement said.
The first shootings of civilians by Russian military are known. In particular, one of the residents of Vovchansk tried to escape on foot, refused to obey the invaders’ commands—Russians killed him. The investigators of the National Police of Ukraine in the Kharkiv region have initiated criminal proceedings for violations of the rules and customs of war.
“Evacuation groups of the National Police of Ukraine continue to work in Vovchansk despite intense fighting and try to ensure further evacuation of people”, Klymenko said.
The investigators of the National Police of Ukraine in the Kharkiv region have initiated criminal proceedings for violations of the rules and customs of war.
General Staff summary for May 16: the situation on the front line as of 10:30.
Russians’ plans to advance deeper into Vovchansk and consolidate have been thwarted, Russians have reduced activity, according to information provided by the General Staff at 10:30.
According to its data, since the beginning of the day, the Defense Forces have kept Russian troops under fire control, the fighting continues, and the situation is under control. On the Kupyansk direction, Russian forces, with the support of armored vehicles, are attempting to attack Ukrainian positions in the direction of Krokhalne – Berestove, the General Staff reported. The Defense Forces have improved their tactical position and pushed the Russian Federation further north of Kyslivka.
Photo: Vovchansk (open sources)
