russian Onslaught on Kharkiv Region
As of 12 May 2024, the russian army launched an active offensive in the northeastern Kharkiv region. Ukraine is preparing for intense battles, warns Colonel-General Oleksandr Syrskyi, Ukraine’s top commander while russian troops expanded the combat zone by 70 kilometers. With the heaviest assaults concentrated in the northeast, Ukrainian armed forces are bracing for a tough fight: they are outnumbered by russians and hindered by delays in Western arms supplies. This offensive has disrupted thousands of lives of locals in the Kharkiv region.
Severe Situation in Kharkiv Region
After the meeting with China’s Xi Jinping, putin declared the Kharkiv region a “buffer zone.” What this really means is scorched-earth tactics and imminent danger from active military actions for thousands of civilians.
Between May 12-17, 2024, the russian bombardments of the Kharkiv region caused significant housing destruction, injuries and loss of life, the capture of civilians/volunteers, reported executions, and massive emergency evacuations.
On May 14, 2024, Kharkiv suffered seven attacks involving guided bombs and S-300 missiles, leaving three people dead and 28 injured, including four children (as of May 17, 2024). In Kharkiv on May 14, 2024, a woman saved her baby by shielding it from falling debris of the house.
The attacks damaged over seven residential buildings, a school, and numerous civilian vehicles, with over 615 windows shattered alone in Kharkiv. Up until May 17, 2024, assaults continued with more damage to residential buildings.
Despite massive bombardments, emergency evacuation efforts continue, especially in areas like Vovchansk. By May 18, 2024, rescue operations evacuated 9,900 civilians from the Kharkiv region, including 2,500 from Vovchansk. However, in the northern part of Vovchansk, russian forces are reportedly preventing evacuations, taking civilians hostage, and executing residents, as reported by Ukraine’s Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko.
What is a “buffer zone” for russians is a living hell for Kharkiv’s local population. Nova Ukraine stands with the population of the Kharkiv region and supports its emergency humanitarian response.
Nova Ukraine’s Support in the Kharkiv Region
- Emergency Support: Evacuations, Food, Shelter, Support
Nova Ukraine supports partners involved in emergency evacuations, especially from high-risk areas like Vovchansk.
Our partner Eventrum, is actively involved in facilitating evacuations. Additionally, Unbreakable Kharkiv foundation distributes medicines at evacuation points with support from our MedHub project, ensuring that evacuees receive necessary medical care. Government officials acknowledge our partnership efforts to support the emergency evacuation.
Nova Ukraine also provided food and essential supplies to people who had been evacuated. At the very least, some nourishing food will smooth the evacuation process of leaving everything behind.
The evacuation process needs wheels. It is difficult and dangerous to safely transport people out of hazardous areas. Some evacuation vehicles take on precarious routes, and are damaged by land mines and other war-related objects. Nova Ukraine supports the repairs of such vehicles.
- Supporting First Responders
The Kharkiv region is on fire, literally. Ukrainian first response emergency servicemen work tirelessly to save the region and people’s lives, and Nova Ukraine knows how important it is to provide support to them. Nova Ukraine provides technical gear for rescue operations at attack sites (concrete and metal cutting discs, chains, and shovels), and individual first-aid kits to the rescue teams. Additionally, Nova Ukraine is in the process of procuring protective helmets. Rescuers cannot save lives without gear and protection of their own.
- Nova Stash, a New Initiative by Our Infrastructure/Energy Team at Nova Ukraine
The Nova Stash initiative will allow our trusted partners to maintain a stash of emergency supplies. Emergencies happen on a daily basis. For a rapid response, partners on the ground need to have provisions to act swiftly. Nova Ukraine prioritizes effective response in emergencies, with clear protocols and cooperation with the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (DSNS).
- First-Aid Training for Nova Ukraine’s Staff
There is no such thing as too much precaution and preparation for an emergency in Ukraine. As it turns out, everyone needs first-aid skills for medical emergencies, especially in a war-torn region. On May 4, 2024, Nova Ukraine’s Kharkiv team participated in an intensive medical training session provided by Nova Ukraine and conducted by an instructor from Hospitallers and the Center for Civilian Preparedness of the Prytula Foundation. As a result, the Nova Ukraine team is prepared to handle medical emergencies and support the local community. Basic skills can save lives.
The horrors of russian military actions are felt deeply as civilians are injured, captured, and even executed. Nova Ukraine is committed to restoring hope in the Kharkiv region and rebuilding what russia seeks to obliterate.
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