Ukrainian forces retreat from strategic location in Chasiv Yar as Russian attacks intensify, facing challenges and warnings of worsening conditions ahead.
Ukraine Withdraws from Chasiv Yar in Donetsk Amid Intensified Russian Assault
KYIV, Ukraine—July 4, 2024: Ukrainian forces have retreated from a northeastern neighborhood in the key eastern town of Chasiv Yar, after enduring months of relentless Russian artillery strikes, according to military spokesperson Nazar Voloshyn. The town, situated a short distance west of Russian-held Bakhmut, occupies a strategic elevated location that has been heavily targeted by Russian forces since capturing Bakhmut last year.
Chasiv Yar, which once had a population of 12,000, has been largely reduced to rubble. Commanders like Oleh Shyriaiev of the 255 assault battalion cite the Russian military’s scorched-earth tactics, which left not a single intact building and forced the Ukrainian army to retreat to avoid severe casualties. Shyriaiev noted the numerical disadvantage Ukrainian forces face, being outnumbered 10-to-1 by Russian troops.
Increased Russian strikes in the last month have particularly intensified, with nearly 1,300 strikes, around 130 glide bombs, and 44 ground assaults reported in the past week alone. Efforts have also been made by Russian forces to capture nearby settlements to advance towards the larger cities of Kramatorsk and Sloviansk in the Ukrainian-controlled parts of the Donetsk region.
The retreat represents a significant challenge for Ukrainian defenses, exacerbated by delays in Western military assistance. Additionally, other regions such as Chernihiv have also faced attacks, including a recent drone strike leaving thousands without electricity. Ukrainian officials warn that the targeting of energy infrastructure may lead to worsening conditions as winter approaches.
