UPDATE 1024 GMT:Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy says the frontline in the Kharkiv region in northeast Ukraine has “stabilized” amid a week-long cross-border Russian offensive. They would take over roles freeing Ukrainian troops to go to the front, said National Security Advisor Madis Roll. ORIGINAL ENTRY: Ukrainian officials have accused Russian forces, in their week-long cross-border offensive into the Kharkiv region, of capturing and holding civilians in the town of Vovchansk. Ukrainian officials said there has been fighting in the northern part of the town, with around 500 civilians remaining of Vovchansk’s pre-invasion population of 17,000. Visiting Kharkiv on Thursday, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky said:As of today, the situation in Kharkiv Oblast is generally under control.

Source: The Irish Times May 17, 2024 17:43 UTC