In the eastern part of Ukraine, the strategic town of Chasiv Yar has been a focal point of intense fighting between Ukrainian and Russian forces. Over the past month, Ukrainian troops have been retreating from key positions in Chasiv Yar as Russian forces inch closer to seizing this important town.
Chasiv Yar lies in the Donetsk region and is situated a short distance from cities like Kramatorsk and Sloviansk. Its fall would put these cities at risk, compromise critical Ukrainian supply routes, and bring Russia one step closer to its stated aim of seizing the entire Donetsk region.
For months, Russian forces have focused on capturing Chasiv Yar due to its strategic location on an elevated position. The town was once home to a population of 12,000 but has been reduced to rubble under relentless artillery strikes.
Ukrainian military spokesperson Nazar Voloshyn confirmed that Ukrainian forces had retreated from the Kanal district of Chasiv Yar on Thursday. Russian forces took control of the Novyi district in the town, destroying defenders' positions and threatening their lives.
Russian troops outnumber Ukrainians 10-to-1 in the area but have not been able to make significant progress due to determined resistance from Ukrainian forces.
The intensity of Russian strikes on Ukraine's defensive line in the area of Chasiv Yar has increased over the past month. In just one week, Russia carried out nearly 1,300 strikes, fired nearly 130 glide bombs, and made 44 ground assaults.
Ukrainian commanders in the area say their resources remain stretched due to a months-long gap in military assistance from the United States. This has forced Ukraine's military onto the defensive and left them vulnerable to Russian advances.
Elsewhere, Russia launched 22 drones over Ukraine on Wednesday night, nearly all of which were shot down. One hit an infrastructure facility in the northern Chernihiv region, leaving nearly 6,000 customers without electricity. Ukrainian officials have warned that the situation may worsen as winter approaches.
Despite these challenges, Ukrainian forces remain determined to hold on to their territory and defend their country against Russian aggression.