During the fighting in Vovchansk, Russians began abducting people and driving them to basements, some of whom were shot dead.
This was reported by the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Ihor Klymenko.
"In the northern part of Vovchansk, where active hostilities are taking place, Russian troops are taking civilians prisoner. The evacuation in that area has also continued until today - the National Police of Ukraine has not stopped evacuating people despite all the threats and while being shelled. As of now, according to the latest information, the Russian military, who were trying to gain a foothold in the city, did not allow local residents to evacuate: they started abducting people and driving them to basements," said Klymenko.
There are reports of the first shootings of civilians by the Russian military. In particular, one of the residents of Vovchansk tried to escape on foot and refused to follow the invaders' commands, and the Russians killed him.
"Investigators of the National Police of Ukraine in Kharkiv Region have initiated criminal proceedings over violations of the rules and customs of war. Evacuation teams of the National Police of Ukraine continue to work in Vovchansk despite intense fighting and are trying to ensure further evacuation of people," Klymenko added.
Earlier, Apostrophe reported that Russia continues its offensive operation in Kharkiv Region.