In the face of escalating aggression from the Russian army in the north of the Kharkiv region, Ukrainian police have been actively involved in assisting the evacuation of people from the border town of Vovchansk. The situation has become increasingly dangerous, with Russian snipers targeting Ukrainian police as they work to evacuate residents.

Vladyslav Yefarov, a Ukrainian policeman, recounted a harrowing experience where he and his colleague, Yuri Yaremchuk, were fired upon by a Russian sniper while on their way to evacuate an elderly woman living alone in Vovchansk. Fortunately, they were rescued by a US armored vehicle, but they were unable to reach the woman in need.

For almost two weeks now, Yefarov and Yaremchuk have been tirelessly evacuating residents from the northern part of the Kharkiv region. This intervention became necessary after the Russian army resumed its offensive on Ukraine's border areas on May 10 and occupied several villages, according to the Ukrainian government in Kyiv.

Yefarov reported the intense danger faced by those in Vovchansk due to the ongoing fighting. The Russian forces have been indiscriminately shelling residential areas with missile launchers and artillery, causing widespread destruction and fear among the remaining population.

Despite the perilous circumstances, some residents of Vovchansk have been hesitant to leave their homes, uncertain if they will ever be able to return. One such resident, Volodymyr, lingered in his home, leisurely packing his belongings despite the urgency expressed by the police. His house had already suffered damage from nearby shelling, with shattered windows as evidence.

Eventually, the police managed to convince Volodymyr to evacuate, and he was reunited with his daughter, Maryna, who is also a policewoman. Tears of joy mingled with reproaches as Maryna questioned her father's delay in leaving and the numerous bags they had to carry. Volodymyr, embracing his dog, solemnly stated that he would not be returning to Vovchansk, the place he once called home.

Vovchansk, located a mere 10 kilometers from the Russian border, had previously endured a months-long Russian occupation in 2022. At that time, the evacuation of the town's population was impossible, with only some weapons and documents salvaged by brave Ukrainian policemen. Unfortunately, some police officers had collaborated with the occupying forces.

Months later, Ukrainian forces liberated Vovchansk, only for it to become a target of Russian shelling. Maryna made the decision to leave and resumed her role in the police force in Kharkiv, while her father chose to adapt to life under constant threat.

The number of residents remaining in Vovchansk has dwindled significantly, with approximately 200 individuals still present out of the original 17,000 inhabitants. Shocking reports have emerged of Russian soldiers forcibly detaining people in cellars upon their arrival and even causing injury, with neighbors claiming that some residents were shot dead. Those fortunate enough to escape have been transported to a village midway to Kharkiv, unsure of their future.

The Ukrainian police have been working tirelessly to facilitate evacuation efforts, but the dangerous situation has made it increasingly challenging for them to reach the affected areas. As a result, desperate residents are forced to find their own way to the evacuation points, sometimes enduring kilometers of perilous journeys.

The situation remains tense in Vovchansk and the surrounding region, as the Russian army intensifies their offensive. The commitment of the Ukrainian police to assist in the evacuation of residents and their efforts to gather evidence of the crimes committed by the occupying forces are vital in seeking justice and supporting the affected population.