Ukraine's minister of internal affairs, Ihor Klymenko, reported of yet another war crime by russians occupiers.
According to the minister, the National Police of Ukraine continues to evacuate people from Vovchansk under shelling and despite all threats. According to operational information, russian invaders, who were trying to gain a foothold in the city, did not allow local residents to evacuate. The minister claimed that people had been kidnapped and kept in basements.
Read more: Mass Attack of russian Tank-Sheds Gone Wrong
"The first shootings of civilians by russian military are known. In particular, one of the residents of Volchansk tried to escape, refusing to follow commands and russians killed him," Klymenko claimed.
Investigators of the National Police of Ukraine in Kharkiv Oblast have begun criminal proceedings on the facts of violation of the law of war.
Klymenko added that police continue to work in Vovchansk despite the intense fighting and are try to ensure further evacuation of residents.
Earlier Kharkiv region prosecutor's office reported that russian occupiers were taking civilians of the Vovchansk urban hromada captive during the offensive in the north of Kharkiv Oblast.
According to the prosecutor's office, russian military placed residents of Vovchansk urban hromada in a basement on May 11, 2024. Their number is unknown. Some civilians managed to escape and reach volunteers on May 13. The people are safe now.
The victims told that they had heard russians' talks about shooting civilians. Residents of Vovchansk were also forced to provide medical assistance to russian occupiers.
The Governor of Kharkiv Oblast, Oleh Syniehubov, reported that almost eight thousand residents had been evacuated from the border areas of Kharkiv Oblast.
Earlier Defense Express reported that russian troops had deployed modernized T-62M tanks in northern Kharkiv Oblast.
Read more: russia's Sanctuary: KSF Experts Discuss the Reasons and Purpose of Occupiers' Offensive on Kharkiv Oblast
