In Kharkiv region, in the Kupiansk district, a critical situation is ongoing, which has forced local authorities to take drastic measures to ensure the safety of the population
Due to intensified shelling and an increase in hostilities, regional leadership has made the decision to mandatory evacuate residents from seven settlements in the district. This extraordinary measure has come into effect amid a growing number of damage incidents and human casualties caused by missile and artillery shelling by the enemy. According to Oleg Synyehubov, Head of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration, it was specifically due to the escalation of hostilities in the region that the evacuation operation was approved. "In light of the intensified enemy shelling of Kupiansk district, we were compelled to make the decision to mandatory evacuate the residents from seven settlements of the Shevchenkivska community," he stated. "These villages are Baranivka, Berezivka, Novomykolaivka, Spodobilivka, Starovirivka, Duvanka, and Fedorivka." The response of local and regional services is driven not only by the worsening front-line situation but also by the high level of destruction and human casualties already recorded over the past two months. Synyehubov mentioned that while the military is rightfully defending the country, the hope for safety for the peaceful population is deteriorating: due to shelling from multiple rocket launchers, missile systems, and drones, the number of victims is rapidly increasing. Most likely, this enemy tactic has caused tragic consequences and seriously damaged homes and infrastructure. During active shelling in the region, two people were killed, and five others were injured of varying severity. Among the injured is a 16-year-old teenager, underscoring how dangerous these attacks are for all residents, regardless of age. At the same time, extensive destruction has been recorded: 87 private houses and 27 multi-apartment residential buildings have been damaged. Such damages reinforce the need for evacuation, which affects not only adults but also a large number of children. The Ministry of Internal Affairs has planned to evacuate over 180 people from the dangerous areas, including 181 children. The main goal of this swift and necessary relocation is to ensure the safety of the evacuees in secure regions and to create conditions for their recovery and rest in settlements that remain safe from shelling. Overall, the situation remains tense and requires urgent measures from local authorities and security forces. Authorities urge residents to remain calm, follow recommendations, and prepare for evacuation, as new shelling is likely to continue. Ukrainian defenders continue to fight for every meter of their land, but the safety of peaceful communities remains the top priority during this difficult time.