Russia’s defense ministry announced today that its forces have captured the town of Chasiv Yar in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk region after nearly 16 months of intense fighting. The town, located just west of Bakhmut, which Russia captured in 2023, has been a key battleground. According to Russia’s claims, over 4,200 buildings and structures have been cleared, and around 50 Ukrainian soldiers were taken prisoner. However, Ukraine’s military denies the town has been lost, stating that Ukrainian units are “holding defense” without providing further details.

Despite Russia’s claims of capturing the town, DeepState, a Ukrainian open-source mapping site, shows Ukrainian forces still controlling the western part of Chasiv Yar. Victor Trygubov, spokesman for Ukraine’s troops in the Khortytsia region, disputed Russia’s claims, saying Russian troops had only occupied parts of the town months ago. Meanwhile, Russia launched a deadly seven-hour drone assault on Kyiv, killing at least six people, including a six-year-old boy.

If confirmed, the capture of Chasiv Yar would mark a significant gain for Moscow’s forces, potentially enabling them to advance towards key “fortress” cities in the Donetsk region, including Kostiantynivka, Sloviansk, and Kramatorsk. Military analyst Emil Kastehelmi notes that while the town’s fall would create conditions for Russia to advance further in eastern Ukraine, progress would likely be gradual due to the town’s favorable defensive terrain. The battle for Chasiv Yar began in April last year, and the town has been in ruins after two years of airstrikes and artillery attacks.

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