Parts of Ukraine's northeastern Kharkiv region ordered locals to evacuate, as the Russian army continues to claim it is gaining ground, Report informs, citing Euronews.
"The situation remains difficult, but under control," army spokesman Serguii Tcherevaty said on Telegram, repeating a common turn of phrase used by Kyiv when it is attacked.
"The Russians are trying to impose themselves and break through our defense," he added.
Facing Russian advances, local Ukrainian authorities signed a decree ordering the evacuation of 37 areas in the Kupyansk district, an important communications hub.
Affected areas are mainly villages located near the front, on the left bank of the Oskil River, with nearly 12,000 people estimated to have been asked to flee their homes.
Evacuations began yesterday as soon as the order was signed, the head of the local military administration Andriy Besedin told state television on Thursday.