Thousands of civilians have fled Russia’s ground offensive in Ukraine’s northeast, as Russian forces target towns and villages with artillery and mortar fire. At least one Ukrainian unit has withdrawn, ceding more land to Russian forces. The town of Vovchansk has become a focal point in the battle, with Russian forces approaching from multiple directions. Over 4,000 civilians have fled the Kharkiv region since the start of the operation. The Russian push is seen as an attempt to exploit ammunition shortages before Western supplies arrive. The Russian defence ministry claims to have captured several villages, but Ukraine’s leadership has not confirmed this.