Evacuation slows in Kupyansk district as Russian army hits river crossings

Oleh Syniehubov, the head of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration, reported this information on October 23.

He noted that in the past day, Russia launched 11 guided bombs and one Kh-38 missile at civilians in the Kharkiv region.

"The Kupyansk sector is the most challenging for us right now, and we are stepping up evacuations. On the left bank of the Oskil River in Kupyansk and surrounding communities, we can no longer restore critical infrastructure because the Russian army keeps destroying it," Syniehubov said.

He emphasized that 9,000 people need to be evacuated from the Kupyansk sector, including over 4,800 residents from the Kupyansk community.

The priority is the left bank of the Oskil River, where more than 2,700 people still remain. However, authorities are seeing a slowdown in the evacuation process, due to Russia destroying crossings.

"Yesterday, for example, the Russian army attacked the crossings over this river, which complicates evacuation efforts. However, we are working to restore the logistical connections," said Syniehubov.

Additionally, 169 residents, including 79 children, still need to be evacuated from the Borova community, where the situation is very tense.

Regarding preparations for the upcoming heating season, the housing sector in the Kharkiv region is technically ready for winter. However, people should "try to make their homes as self-sufficient as possible," Syniehubov concluded.

• As of October 13, 36,804 Ukrainians, including 6,469 children, have been evacuated from the Sumy region, which borders Russia. The mandatory evacuation of minors continues.