Ukraine issues evacuation order as Russian forces push on the eastern front

Ukrainian soldiers fire a self-propelled howitzer towards Russian positions at the front line in Donetsk (Libkos/AP)

Ukrainian authorities ordered a mandatory evacuation Thursday of nearly 12,000 civilians from 37 towns and villages in the eastern Kharkiv region, where Russian forces reportedly are making a concerted effort to punch through the front line.

The local military administration in Kharkiv’s Kupiansk district said residents must comply with the evacuation order or sign a document saying they would stay at their own risk.