Russian strike forces frustrated and starving residents of Ukrainian border town

By Vitalii Hnidyi

NEAR VOVCHANSK, Ukraine (Reuters) – Residents of a Ukrainian border town, frustrated and angered by an armored ground attack by Russian troops trying to secure a new foothold, were evacuated from their homes on Friday with an uncertain future. ahead.

Authorities rounded up dozens of residents from Vovchansk and neighboring villages during breaks in the fighting and took them to an undisclosed location, where they waited for buses to take them to safety.

“We are leaving because we are dying from the ‘Russian world,'” said Valerii Dubskyi, 60, referring to the Russian concept of extending Moscow’s influence beyond its borders.

“This can go to hell, along with (Russian President Vladimir) Putin and his authorities. They are our enemies. They tested all types of weapons on us except the nuclear bomb.”

Dubskyi said he hadn’t eaten in 24 hours. Even fetching water from a well was impossible under an endless torrent of shelling.

“During bombings, you run to the basement or you run out of the basement,” he said. “There and back.”

Groups of evacuees sat on benches holding handfuls of belongings, with tightly packed bags next to them on the floor.

Volunteers compiled lists of evacuees. Meals were distributed in plastic boxes.

Halyna Ukrainyk, holding a cat as she waited for her bus, said the bombing began the day before, around 3 a.m. She and others were confined in a basement.

“One street is completely destroyed. Bombing,” she said. “It’s horrible what’s happening there. It’s impossible to stay there.”

Antonina Kornuta, from the nearby village of Buhaivka, said most people’s thoughts were with the young evacuees.

“It’s very scary,” she said. “I have grandchildren, children. It’s about their lives. I don’t want to leave.”

The evacuees, accompanied by at least one dog, quietly entered their waiting vehicles.

Oleksii Kharkivsky, head of the Vovchansk patrol police, said Russian forces appeared intent on destroying the city.

“In 24 hours, there were probably hundreds of artillery attacks, mines and dozens of cluster bombs,” he said.

“They are destroying the city, they are trying to enter the area. But there are no enemy troops in the city.”

For Dubskyi, no matter how orderly the departure was, there was still something unreal about it.

“I want to pinch myself because I think it’s not real, just a nightmare. But it’s okay,” he said. “I thought old age would be a peaceful time. But just look at this. And there are many more millions like me, thanks to Putin.”

(This story has been refiled to correct byline)

(Writing by Margaryta Chornokondratenko and Ron Popeski; Editing by Leslie Adler)