Ukrainian military explains why Russian army targets Chasiv Yar and its significance if lost

Illustrative photo: Defense forces monitor the situation in Chasiv Yar (Getty Images)

Defense forces currently control the situation in Chasiv Yar. However, it is challenging as fighting continues in the city, stated Nazar Voloshyn, the spokesperson of the operational strategic grouping of troops Khortytsia.

"Currently, the situation is being controlled by the Defense Forces, it's complex, and battles are ongoing. Regarding Chasiv Yar, the enemy doesn't cease attempts to capture this town. They continue to destroy both Chasiv Yar and surrounding settlements," Voloshyn explained.

According to him, the Russian forces are trying to seize the heights where the town stands and the outskirts of the city to continue the struggle for territories and shell Kostiantynivka, Druzhkivka, Sloviansk, and Kramatorsk from there.

Battles near Chasiv Yar

In recent weeks, Russian forces have intensified assaults on the Bahmut direction. The target of the occupiers is the town of Chasiv Yar. As commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi stated, the Russian command aims to capture Chasiv Yar by May 9, thus securing some victory on the front.

Later, the Ukrainian Armed Forces reported that combat operations are already taking place on the outskirts of Chasiv Yar, with approximately 700 civilians remaining in the town itself.