A recent Russian shelling attack in the town of Chasiv Yar claimed the lives of five individuals, further escalating tensions in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region. The assault targeted both a high-rise building and a private residence, with regional Gov. Vadym Filaskhin confirming that the victims were men aged 24 to 38. He issued a plea for the remaining residents to evacuate the front-line town, which once had a population of 12,000.

Meanwhile, two additional casualties were reported due to Russian shelling in the Kharkiv region. Gov. Oleh Syniehubov revealed that one victim was rescued from the debris of a house in the village of Cherkaska Lozova, while another woman succumbed to her injuries during transportation to a medical facility.

In the midst of these attacks, Russia’s Ministry of Defense claimed the capture of the town of Pivnichne in Donetsk. However, independent verification of this assertion by The Associated Press remains pending.

As Russian forces continue to advance in the eastern region, Ukraine has undertaken bold incursions into Russia’s Kursk region in an attempt to divert troops from Donetsk. This maneuver represents the most significant breach onto Russian soil since World War II and is intended to weaken Russia’s stronghold on the Donetsk front.

The aftermath of a Russian assault on Kharkiv saw an increase in casualties, with six individuals, including a 14-year-old girl, losing their lives. Regional Gov. Oleh Syniehubov reported that the number of wounded climbed from 47 to 96, necessitating the partial demolition of a 12-story apartment block impacted by the conflict.

In light of these events, Ukrainian officials have advocated for relaxed restrictions on the targeting capabilities of donated weapons. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov highlighted the necessity of broader approval for potential long-range targets within Russia to bolster Ukraine’s defensive tactics.

The ongoing conflict has also seen developments regarding the Ukrainian military’s leadership, marked by the dismissal of Lt. Gen. Mykola Oleshchuk. This decision, announced by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, coincided with a renewed emphasis on safeguarding the nation’s armed forces amidst escalating hostilities.

For more updates on the war in Ukraine, visit AP’s official coverage.