The ongoing conflict has intensified with Russian forces making concerted efforts to take over Chasiv Yar and its neighboring areas in Donetsk Oblast as they engage in a “great battle” to seize essential logistical paths, according to a statement by Nazar Voloshyn, the spokesperson for the Khortytsia Group of Forces, reported by Interfax Ukraine on May 2.
Located within Donetsk Oblast, Chasiv Yar lies approximately 10 kilometers to the west of Bakhmut and 50 kilometers to the north of Avdiivka, two areas previously seized by Russian forces in May 2023 and February 2024, respectively.
Considering the strategic position of Chasiv Yar, theRussian military is allocating significant resources to this region, aiming to create an advantageous position for future operations against cities including Kostiantynivka, Kramatorsk, and Sloviansk, as per statements from the Ukrainian military in March.
Voloshyn highlighted the Russian strategy to encircle Chasiv Yar, particularly through the villages of Bohdanivka and Ivanivske.
The intent of the Russian forces is to dismantle Ukrainian defense positions in and around Chasiv Yar, forcing Ukrainian defenders into a position wherein they lack defensible strongholds, as communicated by the spokesperson.
“The (Russian) occupiers are concentrating their efforts towards obtaining strategic high ground in the area of Chasiv Yar, thus facilitating their territorial conquest and escalated attacks towards other critical locations such as Kostiantynivka, Druzhkivka, Sloviansk, and Kramatorsk,” explained Voloshyn.
He reassured that a robust second line of defense has been established and that the defending forces are fully prepared to contest the advancing enemy.
Voloshyn also dispelled reports that the Russian forces had managed to breach defenses along the Siverskyi Donets-Donbas Canal to progress towards the Kramatorsk urban area.
It was earlier reported on April 22 by Voloshyn that approximately 20,000-25,000 Russian soldiers are engaged in aggressive moves against Chasiv Yar and the surrounding localities.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has previously pointed out that there are Russian objectives to take control of the town in time for the Victory Day celebrations on May 9, an important date in Russia commemorating the victory of the Soviet Union over Nazi Germany during World War II.
FAQs
Q: What is the significance of the current battle near Chasiv Yar?
A: The battle near Chasiv Yar is critical as it is for control over key logistics routes crucial for future military activities in the Donetsk region.
Q: Which cities did Russia capture prior to the ongoing conflict near Chasiv Yar?
A: Russia captured Bakhmut in May 2023 and Avdiivka in February 2024.
Q: How are Ukrainian forces responding to the Russian offensive near Chasiv Yar?
A: Ukrainian forces have fortified a second line of defense and are ready to engage with the enemy forces.
Q: Did Russian forces reach the Siverskyi Donets-Donbas Canal to approach Kramatorsk?
A: No, claims that Russian forces had reached the canal have been refuted.
Q: Why is Victory Day on May 9 important in this context?
A: President Zelensky indicated that Russia aims to capture Chasiv Yar by Victory Day, a significant date commemorating Soviet victory in World War II, and typically observed with military zeal in Russia.
Conclusion
The struggle for control over Chasiv Yar and its surrounding logistics routes demonstrates the strategic importance of this area within the Donetsk region. Despite the ongoing Russian offensive and their intent to disrupt Ukrainian defense, Ukraine stands resolute in fortifying their positions and confronting the adversary. As the conflict persists, the valor and determination of the Ukrainian forces continue to symbolize their commitment to defending their nation’s sovereignty and independence.
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