The UN has issued a statement on the ongoing situation in the northeast Kharkiv region.
In a statement, the office of the UN high commissioner for human rights said it was “deeply concerned at the plight of civilians in Ukraine, particularly in the Kharkiv region” as Russian forces step up attacks.
“This assault has seized more Ukrainian territory, triggered further displacement and potentially threatens Kharkiv,” the statement reads.
Data from the UN shows that since the latest incursion by Russian forces on 10 May at least 6,000 people are believed to have fled or been evacuated from areas on the border and many have reached the city of Kharkiv.
At least eight civilians have been killed and 35 injured in the Kharkiv region since last Friday.
“In the Kharkiv region, the situation is dire, as fighting intensifies,” the UN office said.
“Colleagues in Kharkiv report air raid sirens sounding almost constantly and hearing explosions in the border area and in the city itself.
“Reports indicate that in the northeastern border city of Vovchansk, where there has been significant destruction, heavy fighting is continuing.
“Several hundred civilian residents out of a population of some 3,000 prior to 10 May are believed to still be there.”
