Ukrainian forces have withdrawn from the Kanal district of Chasiv Yar, a strategically important town in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine, according to multiple sources. Nazar Voloshyn, spokesperson for the Ukrainian military’s Khortytsia Operational Strategic Group, confirmed the retreat, stating that it was ‘no longer feasible to hold the Kanal district’ due to the destruction of defensive positions and the threat to Ukrainian servicemen’s lives.The withdrawal comes after intense Russian attacks on the area. Over the past 24 hours, Ukrainian forces reported 238 bombardments in the Chasiv Yar area, with most artillery fire directed at the southern part of the city. Some reports indicate that Russia has deployed a large amount of troops and equipment to Chasiv Yar, using aviation and artillery to level the area.Both sides acknowledge the strategic importance of Chasiv Yar. Its elevated position could potentially allow Russian forces to advance towards key Ukrainian-held cities like Kramatorsk, the largest city in the region and a significant logistical hub for Ukrainian forces. The Russian Defense Ministry claims to have taken control of the ‘Novyi’ district in Chasiv Yar, though this claim cannot be independently verified.The ongoing conflict has seen a surge in combat engagements. Ukrainian military reported over 161 combat clashes in the last 24 hours, with most occurring in the Donetsk region. Ukrainian commanders have expressed concern about stretched resources due to a months-long gap in military assistance from the US.As the situation continues to evolve, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for more air defense systems and weapons with greater range to counter further Russian attacks. The conflict’s impact extends beyond the immediate battle zone, with recent Russian drone attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure leaving thousands without electricity.
Key points
- Ukrainian forces have withdrawn from the Kanal district of Chasiv Yar due to intense Russian attacks and destruction of defensive positions.
- The strategic importance of Chasiv Yar lies in its elevated position, potentially allowing Russian forces to advance towards key Ukrainian-held cities.
- The conflict has seen a surge in combat engagements, with over 161 clashes reported in the last 24 hours, mostly in the Donetsk region.
- Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has called for more advanced weapons and air defense systems to counter Russian attacks.
Contradictions👾While most sources report a withdrawal from the Kanal district, there are slight discrepancies in the exact terminology used for the area, with some referring to it as a ‘microdistrict’ or ‘neighborhood’.
