At least 3 people were killed and many residences were left in ruins in Balakliya on April 6, as Russian troops keep pummeling Kharkiv region, said Governor Oleh Synehubov on Facebook, Thursday.

The aggressors targeted towns and communities with rocket, artillery, and mortar fire, launching some 48 attacks throughout the day.

The town of Lozova also suffered an overnight attack, said the governor, adding that people in Barvinkove and Lozova should evacuate due to the mounting risk of escalation.

According to Synehubov, intelligence shows Russians regrouping and building-up forces east of Kharkiv.

‘We know about all the maneuvers and the concentration of their troops near Izum and Kupyansk where the Russians use the railroad. Our Armed Forces of Ukraine are always ready to defend and keep their positions!’ Synehubov said.