Syniehubov added that the Russian offensive, which began on May 15, destroyed most of the village.
Russian troops occupied several cities in Kharkiv. mainBut the regional capital itself did not when their invasion began in early 2022, before Ukrainian soldiers repelled them in May 2023.
Moscow’s attempt to retake the region comes as Western opinion grows more divided over how to support Kiev and Ukraine’s military effort falters due to troop shortages and ammunition shortages.
According to the Ukrainian Armed Forces General Staff, at least 1,500 Russian soldiers have been killed since entering the Kharkiv region.
The front lines in Vovchansk are now two banks of the Vovcha River, which bisects the city, Ole Sinyehubov, the region’s governor, told Reuters.
Russia also attacked a lakeside resort in the region on Monday, killing at least 11 people and wounding many more, according to Ukrainian prosecutors.
