Ukraine's Kharkiv braces for possible Russian invasion | GROUND REPORT
India Today
Kharkiv is Ukraine's second-largest city and is located barely 25 kilometres from the Russian border.
With Russia having amassed thousands of troops along Ukraine's northern and eastern border, Ukrainians living in border cities are bracing for an imminent "Russian invasion".
Located about 500 km from the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv, Kharkiv is located barely 25 kilometres from the Russian border. It is the second-largest city in Ukraine with a population of 1.5 million and is also a major industrial and education hub.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has also warned that Russians could target the border town of Kharkiv first if they decide to invade the country. Similar claims have been made by Ukrainian intelligence agencies.
READ: Why Russia wants Ukraine so badly
In Kharkiv, the local administration is preparing bunkers for the safety of civilians in the case of an attack by Russian troops.
Earlier this month, thousands took to the streets of Kharkiv to protest against Russia amassing its troops on Ukraine's borders. They were seen carrying banners that read "Kharkiv is Ukraine" and "stop Russian aggression".
Chief of the Kharkiv youth wing of the European Solidarity party, Daria Konokh told India Today, "We all know that there are a lot of Russian tanks and troops on the border between Kharkiv and Russia but we never know what's in Putin's head. We are not sure if something will happen, but if something will happen, we are ready.
