Russia claims to have made fresh inroads in Kharkiv as it continues to pound other areas of Ukraine. Kyiv says it attacked Russia's military targets over the past 24 hours. The Russian Defence Ministry says its forces are now in total control of a settlement in the Luhansk area in eastern Ukraine while strikes continue in Kharkiv.

Russia-Ukraine war: Russia claims settlement in Luhansk

At least 11 people have been killed and scores are reported injured after Russia rain strikes on Ukraine's second largest city of Kharkiv. Watch the video to know more.

Ukraine war: At least 11 killed, scores injured as Russian attacks intensify in Kharkiv

Russia on Saturday (May 18) said that it had seized a village near Vovchansk in the Kharkiv region, where it launched a new offensive last week. The Russian defence ministry said: "Units of the northern troop group liberated the village of Starytsya in the Kharkiv region, and continued to advance deep into the enemy's defences."&nbsp;

The announcement comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he expects Russia to step up its offensive in the northeast. However, he also revived the request for advanced air defence systems in its fight against Russia. He said that Kyiv has only a quarter of the air defences it needs to hold the front line.&nbsp;

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Zelensky said Russian troops managed to advance between five to 10 kilometres (3-6 miles) along the northeastern border before being stopped by Ukrainian forces. The president also added that the region could be the "first wave" in a wider offensive.&nbsp;

"I won't say it's a great success (for&nbsp;Russia) but we have to be sober and understand that they are going deeper into our territory," he said, speaking from Kyiv on Friday. It was his first interview with foreign media since the offensive began.&nbsp;

"Today, we have about 25 per cent of what we need to defend Ukraine. I'm talking about air defence," he said, further adding that Ukraine needs "120 to 130" F-16 fighter jets or other advanced aircraft to counter Russian advance.&nbsp;

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A similar issue was highlighted by Major-General Vadym Skibitsky, who is the deputy head of Ukrainian Defence Intelligence. He told the Economist last week: "Our problem is very simple: we have no weapons. They always knew April and May would be a difficult time for us."&nbsp;

Meanwhile, a Ukrainian official has said that the Russian forces have captured dozens of civilians in the border town of Vovchansk, media reported. A top regional police officer alleged that Moscow has been using the captives as "human shields".&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Russia warns encroachments on territory will not go unanswered&nbsp;

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<h2>What does Russia want with&nbsp;Kharkiv?&nbsp;</h2>

<meta name="uuid" content="uuidr6GzaJ5JJlIG" />Russian President Vladimir Putin said&nbsp;there was no intention at this stage to take Kharkiv, which is Ukraine's second city. It is about 30 kilometres from the border and more than one million people still live there. As per news agencies,&nbsp;<meta name="uuid" content="uuidr6GzaJ5JJlIG" />Ukraine has evacuated almost 10,000 people from the northeast border area.&nbsp;

During a trip to China this week, Putin said that the northeastern offensive was in retaliation for Ukraine's shelling of border regions and that Moscow was trying to create a "security zone".&nbsp;

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Russia on Saturday (May 18) said that it had seized a village near Vovchansk in the Kharkiv region, where it launched a new offensive last week. The Russian defence ministry said: "Units of the northern troop group liberated the village of Starytsya in the Kharkiv region, and continued to advance deep into the enemy's defences.

Russia on Saturday (May 18) said that it had seized a village near Vovchansk in the Kharkiv region, where it launched a new offensive last week. The Russian defence ministry said: "Units of the northern troop group liberated the village of Starytsya in the Kharkiv region, and continued to advance deep into the enemy's defences." The announcement comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he expects Russia to step up its offensive in the northeast. However, he also revived the request for advanced air defence systems in its fight against Russia. He said that Kyiv has only a quarter of the air defences it needs to hold the front line. Also read: Georgia's 'foreign agents' bill: President vetoes controversial law after weeks of protests Zelensky said Russian troops managed to advance between five to 10 kilometres (3-6 miles) along the northeastern border before being stopped by Ukrainian forces. The president also added that the region could be the "first wave" in a wider offensive. "I won't say it's a great success (for Russia) but we have to be sober and understand that they are going deeper into our territory," he said, speaking from Kyiv on Friday. It was his first interview with foreign media since the offensive began. "Today, we have about 25 per cent of what we need to defend Ukraine. I'm talking about air defence," he said, further adding that Ukraine needs "120 to 130" F-16 fighter jets or other advanced aircraft to counter Russian advance. Also read: Polish PM says will spend over 2.3 billion euros to fortify border with Ukraine A similar issue was highlighted by Major-General Vadym Skibitsky, who is the deputy head of Ukrainian Defence Intelligence. He told the Economist last week: "Our problem is very simple: we have no weapons. They always knew April and May would be a difficult time for us." Meanwhile, a Ukrainian official has said that the Russian forces have captured dozens of civilians in the border town of Vovchansk, media reported. A top regional police officer alleged that Moscow has been using the captives as "human shields". Watch: Russia warns encroachments on territory will not go unanswered × What does Russia want with Kharkiv? Russian President Vladimir Putin said there was no intention at this stage to take Kharkiv, which is Ukraine's second city. It is about 30 kilometres from the border and more than one million people still live there. As per news agencies, Ukraine has evacuated almost 10,000 people from the northeast border area. During a trip to China this week, Putin said that the northeastern offensive was in retaliation for Ukraine's shelling of border regions and that Moscow was trying to create a "security zone". Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos (With inputs from agencies)

Russia claims to have captured another village in Kharkiv region, Ukraine struggles on eastern front

Watch top headlines of the hour: - Israel claims strikes on Hezbollah | Russia claims village in Kharkiv - Slovak PM attacker taken to court - Poland to fortify eastern border - To Lam named new Vietnam President

Israel claims strikes on Hezbollah | Russia claims village in Kharkiv

Russia vows to keep pushing its offensive in Ukraine. However, NATO doubts Russia has the resources to make a significant breakthrough. NATO’s top military officer has said Russia’s armed forces are incapable of any major advance.

Russia-Ukraine war: Will Russia make a strategic breakthrough in Kharkiv?

Ukrainian shelling on Thursday (May 16) claimed the lives of four women in the Russian-held city of Donetsk in eastern Ukraine, said the region's Moscow-installed authorities.

"Four women born in 1986, 1980, 1961 and 1952 were killed on Petrovsky Street near public transport stop School No. 106," the authorities said in a Telegram post.

The attack injured two others, a girl born in the year 2018 and a man born in 1987, while separate shelling of a nearby town wounded a man aged around 70, they said. &nbsp;

<h2>Ukraine's Zelensky meets military leaders in Kharkiv, says situation 'very difficult'</h2>

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday (May 16) said&nbsp;the current military situation in Kharkiv's northeastern region was "extremely difficult". However, he said it was still "under control".&nbsp;

His statement came following his meeting with the military chiefs near the front line.

"The situation in the Kharkiv region is generally under control, and our soldiers are inflicting significant losses on the occupier. However, the area remains extremely difficult. We are reinforcing our units," he said in a post on his official Telegram channel.

The Ukrainian military had earlier said that it had managed to halt Russia's advances in some of the places partially.

"Our defence forces have partially stabilised the situation. The advance of the enemy in certain zones and localities has been halted," army spokesman Nazar Voloshin said on state TV on Thursday.&nbsp;

In a daily briefing, Ukraine's General Staff said its forces had "significantly reduced the activity of the Russian occupiers."

"But the enemy is still trying to create the conditions for further advances," Voloshin warned.

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<h2>Ukraine accuses Russia of killing civilians</h2>

Kyiv also accused the Russian army of claiming the lives of dozens of civilians in the territory that it had taken control of last week.

"According to operational information, the Russian military, trying to gain a foothold in the city, did not allow local residents to evacuate: they began abducting people and driving them to basements," Interior Minister Igor Klymenko said on Telegram.

There were also "reports of the first shootings of civilians by the Russian military," he said, further adding that the probe into the war crimes was now opened.

"One of the residents of Vovchansk tried to escape on foot, refused to follow the commands of the invaders, and was killed by the Russians."

(With inputs from agencies)

Ukrainian shelling on Thursday (May 16) claimed the lives of four women in the Russian-held city of Donetsk in eastern Ukraine, said the region's Moscow-installed authorities.

Ukrainian shelling on Thursday (May 16) claimed the lives of four women in the Russian-held city of Donetsk in eastern Ukraine, said the region's Moscow-installed authorities. "Four women born in 1986, 1980, 1961 and 1952 were killed on Petrovsky Street near public transport stop School No. 106," the authorities said in a Telegram post. The attack injured two others, a girl born in the year 2018 and a man born in 1987, while separate shelling of a nearby town wounded a man aged around 70, they said. Ukraine's Zelensky meets military leaders in Kharkiv, says situation 'very difficult' Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday (May 16) said the current military situation in Kharkiv's northeastern region was "extremely difficult". However, he said it was still "under control". His statement came following his meeting with the military chiefs near the front line. "The situation in the Kharkiv region is generally under control, and our soldiers are inflicting significant losses on the occupier. However, the area remains extremely difficult. We are reinforcing our units," he said in a post on his official Telegram channel. The Ukrainian military had earlier said that it had managed to halt Russia's advances in some of the places partially. "Our defence forces have partially stabilised the situation. The advance of the enemy in certain zones and localities has been halted," army spokesman Nazar Voloshin said on state TV on Thursday. In a daily briefing, Ukraine's General Staff said its forces had "significantly reduced the activity of the Russian occupiers." "But the enemy is still trying to create the conditions for further advances," Voloshin warned. Also read: Xi Jinping, Putin advocate for 'political solution' in Ukraine war Ukraine accuses Russia of killing civilians Kyiv also accused the Russian army of claiming the lives of dozens of civilians in the territory that it had taken control of last week. "According to operational information, the Russian military, trying to gain a foothold in the city, did not allow local residents to evacuate: they began abducting people and driving them to basements," Interior Minister Igor Klymenko said on Telegram. There were also "reports of the first shootings of civilians by the Russian military," he said, further adding that the probe into the war crimes was now opened. "One of the residents of Vovchansk tried to escape on foot, refused to follow the commands of the invaders, and was killed by the Russians." (With inputs from agencies)

Ukrainian shelling claims lives of four in Donetsk, says Russia

The battle for Kharkiv has intensified with the Ukrainian military now pulling back to new positions. Russian missile strikes destroyed buildings in Ukraine's Kharkiv. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine war: Zelensky admits situation 'extremely difficult'

Russia-Ukraine war: Will Ukraine strike deeper into Russia?

The battle for Kharkiv has intensified with the Ukrainian military now pulling back to new positions. Russian missile strike destroyed buildings in Ukraine's Kharkiv. Watch in for more details!

Ukraine war: Russian forces target Ukraine's second largest city of Kharkiv

Russia-Ukraine war: Battle of Kharkiv, Russia steps up attack

Russia-Ukraine war: Russian sharpens attacks on Ukraine's Kharkiv

Russia-Ukraine war: Russian missiles pound Kharkiv villages

Russia-Ukraine war: 20-storey building hit in Kharkiv as Russia steps up attack in Ukraine

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - Trump's ex-lawyer Michael Cohen to testify - Russia expanding front in Kharkiv - 3 aid crossings into Gaza open: Israel - Brazil floods: Toll rises to 147 - US, China meet to discuss AI risks

Trump's ex-lawyer Michael Cohen to testify | Russia expanding front in Kharkiv

Thousands have been evacuated from the border areas near Ukraine's Kharkiv as Russia claims it has captured four more villages in the country's Northeast. This is in addition to the five villages Russia claimed to have captured on Saturday.

Russia-Ukraine war: Nine villages captured in Kharkiv over two days, says Russia

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Russia-Ukraine war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos More than 1,700 people were evacuated from areas near the Russian border in Ukraine's Kharkiv region on Saturday (May 11), after Russia launched a surprise ground offensive.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Russia-Ukraine war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos More than 1,700 people were evacuated from areas near the Russian border in Ukraine's Kharkiv region on Saturday (May 11), after Russia launched a surprise ground offensive. In a post on social media, Kharkiv governor Oleg Synegubov said, "A total of 1,775 people have been evacuated." He further said that Russian artillery and mortar attacks on 30 settlements were reported over the last 24 hours. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that a fierce battle was underway in Kharkiv. "We must disrupt Russian offensive operations and return the initiative to Ukraine," President Zelensky added. Kharkiv has been mostly under Ukrainian control since September 2022. Also read | US gives new $400mn military aid to Ukraine; Kyiv to get its first F-16 jets soon Ukraine earlier warned of a Russian buildup in the area, potentially signalling preparations for an offensive or a ploy to divert and pin down Kyiv's overstretched and outnumbered defenders. In recent times, Ukrainian forces have multiplied attacks inside Russia and Russian-held areas of Ukraine, particularly on energy infrastructure. Ukrainian strike at oil depot kills 3, injures 8 Meanwhile, in the latest news from the Russia-Ukraine war, a Ukrainian strike on Friday night killed three people, injured eight, and triggered a large fire at an oil storage depot in Ukraine's occupied Luhansk region. Also watch | Future of war: Will private military contractors take over? | WION Decodes × In a post on Telegram, Luhansk's Russian-installed governor said the injured remained hospitalised after the attack in the town of Rovenky, 60 kilometres from the regional centre of Luhansk. It was the second such assault in three days. In both instances, Pasechnik suggested, without evidence, that Ukraine used US-supplied Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS).

Ukraine war: Over 1,700 evacuated from areas near Russian border in Kharkiv

Russia-Ukraine war: Russia claims it has taken four more villages

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Russia-Ukraine war: Over 4000 evacuated from Ukraine's Kharkiv

Russia-Ukraine war: Evacuations continue in Ukraine's Kharkiv, Moscow steps up strikes

Fierce fighting raged on the second day in Ukraine's North-eastern region of Kharkiv as Russia intensified its offensive in the region. The intense battle continues in seven border villages.

Russia-Ukraine war: Fighting rages north east of Kharkiv

Russia launched a surprising ground offensive into Ukraine's Kharkiv region reopening a front that had taken centre stage in the early stages of the war. Moscow is eyeing its biggest land operation in this region.

Russia-Ukraine war: Russia mounts assault on Ukraine's second largest city Kharkiv

Russian forces are advancing, taking the frontlines deeper into the Ukrainian territory. Ukrainian soldiers are scrambling in order to build fortified defence lines and to fend-off Russian attacks. Now according to reports, Russia wants to make use of the interval from now till the US military aid reaches the frontlines to gain as much advantage as it can. Mohammed Saleh speaks to Prof. David Dunn, Professor of International Politics, the University of Birmingham.

Russia-Ukraine war | Russia intensifies attacks on Kharkiv as it moves troops over Northern Ukraine

There are visible signals of Russia upping its offensive in Ukraine. Kharkiv has come in for repeated pounding. Over the last 24 hours, Russian missiles pounded Kharkiv for the second time in the day.

Russia-Ukraine war: Russian missiles pound Ukraine's Kharkiv

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Russian airstrikes on Ukraine's northeastern Kharkiv region intensified on Wednesday (April 10) afternoon, hitting a clinic and a pharmacy, and killing at least three people, according to a local official.&nbsp;

Kharkiv and the surrounding areas have been under consistent Russian attack, but the recent weeks have seen a surge in strikes targeting civilian and energy infrastructure.

A 14-year-old girl, and two women were killed in the village of Lyptsi, where a pharmacy came under attack, regional governor Oleh Synehubov said on Telegram.

Two more people were injured, and rescuers continued searching through the rubble for victims.

Two guided bombs destroyed a clinic in Vovchansk, injuring one person, Synehubov said. Separately, Russian troops dropped an explosive on a bus, wounding a man, according to the interior ministry.

Russia denies deliberately targeting civilians, though the war that began with its full-scale invasion in 2022 has resulted in the deaths of thousands of people, the uprooting of millions and the destruction of Ukrainian towns and cities.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos

Russian airstrikes on Ukraine's northeastern Kharkiv region intensified on Wednesday (April 10) afternoon, hitting a clinic and a pharmacy, and killing at least three people, according to a local official.

Russian airstrikes on Ukraine's northeastern Kharkiv region intensified on Wednesday (April 10) afternoon, hitting a clinic and a pharmacy, and killing at least three people, according to a local official. Kharkiv and the surrounding areas have been under consistent Russian attack, but the recent weeks have seen a surge in strikes targeting civilian and energy infrastructure. A 14-year-old girl, and two women were killed in the village of Lyptsi, where a pharmacy came under attack, regional governor Oleh Synehubov said on Telegram. Two more people were injured, and rescuers continued searching through the rubble for victims. Two guided bombs destroyed a clinic in Vovchansk, injuring one person, Synehubov said. Separately, Russian troops dropped an explosive on a bus, wounding a man, according to the interior ministry. Russia denies deliberately targeting civilians, though the war that began with its full-scale invasion in 2022 has resulted in the deaths of thousands of people, the uprooting of millions and the destruction of Ukrainian towns and cities. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos

Russian airstrikes hit Ukraine’s Kharkiv region, killing 3

Just days before Russia's presidential election Ukrainian long range drones smashed into two oil facilities deep inside Russia. While an armed incursion claimed by Ukraine based Russian opponents of the Kremlin unnerved a border region.

Russia-Ukraine war: Ukrainian drones target Russian oil facilities

Ukrainian president Zelenskyy has said that a Russian drone attack in Odessa could have been avoided if weapon Supply had not been delayed. The attack killed seven people including two children and wounded at least eight others. Watch to know more!

Russia-Ukraine war: Russian drone damages residential buildings in Odesa, 6 people missing

At least four people including a three-year-old child were killed and eight others wounded when a Russian drone crashed into an apartment block in Ukraine's southern port city of Odesa on Saturday (March 2), authorities said.

Russia-Ukraine war: At least four killed by Russian drone attack on Ukraine's Odesa

Russia claims full control of Ukraine's eastern city Avdiivka. Ukraine's General Oleksandr Tarnavsky early on Saturday said that the Ukrainian forces withdrew from the eastern town of Avdiivka, where the situation had considerably deteriorated in the past few days. The step was taken by Ukraine, hours after it signed the French security deal. Russian troops launched multiple attacks to the west of recently captured Avdiivka in a bid to force more gains on the battlefield, a Ukrainian army spokesperson said Sunday. Kyiv said that Russia is trying to attack beyond Avdiivka. Watch former US Ambassador to NATO, Kurt Volker speak to WION on Russia capturing Avdiivka...Watch to know more!

Russia-Ukraine war: Former US ambassador to NATO speaks to WION on possible ceasefire

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