Russia-Ukraine war live: Ukraine still controls 60% of Vovchansk, says local official

Ukraine retains control over approximately 60% of the border town of Vovchansk, despite ongoing Russian offensive operations, according to deputy governor Roman Semenukha. In an interview with national television on Monday, Semenukha stated that the Ukrainian armed forces continue to face attacks and attempts to push them out of the town. The Russian offensive in the Kharkiv region has been successful in recent months, as Kyiv has struggled with shortages of reserves and weaponry, partly due to delays in US military aid. The surprise assault launched by Russian forces on May 10th has resulted in significant territorial gains. Ukrainian officials have also accused Russian soldiers in Vovchansk of using civilians as “human shields” to protect their command headquarters, although these claims have yet to be independently verified.