Chasiv Yar in ruins: AP captures aftermath of intense Russian bombardment
Drone footage from The Associated Press captures the extensive destruction in Chasiv Yar, a strategic Ukrainian city that was once home to 12,000 residents.
The imagery shows the city, surrounded by green fields and woodlands, transformed into a scene of desolation, bearing stark resemblances to the war-ravaged cities of Bakhmut and Avdiivka, which saw intense bombardment and significant casualties on both sides.
The footage reveals rows of apartment blocks charred and pockmarked by explosions, some reduced to mere rubble. The streets are virtually deserted, save for a single individual navigating between the remnants of buildings.
This devastation comes as Russian forces prepare for what is expected to be a major offensive in May, aiming to capture the hilltop city that forms a crucial part of Ukraine's eastern defenses. According to the Institute for the Study of War, Russian tactics mirror those previously employed in Avdiivka, with heavy bombings and airstrikes targeting Ukrainian positions.
Read also: Artillery and drone strikes empty Chasiv Yar of volunteers
Battle for Chasiv Yar
Institute for the Study of War on April 10 noted that in an attempt to make their way to Chasiv Yar, a town west of Bakhmut, Russians are using tactics that helped them capture Avdiivka. Positions of Ukrainian defenders are being intensively bombed by guided air boms and fire from their planes and helicopters.
Ukrainian Armed Forces Chief Oleksandr Syrsky stated that the situation on the Eastern Front has significantly escalated in recent days on April 13.
DeepState monitoring portal reported that Russians occupied village of Bohdanivka and advanced near Chasiv Yar. Ministry of Defense, however, denied reports of occupation of Bohdanivka.
Syrsky said that Russia's top military leadership had set a task for its soldiers to capture the town west of Bakhmut, Chasiv Yar, by May 9. Enemy is concentrating its efforts to break through defenses and gain access to Siverskyi Donets-Donbas canal to create conditions for further advancement to Kramatorsk agglomeration.
Ukrainian military states that if Russians succeed in capturing Chasiv Yar, they will launch an offensive against Kostyantynivka, Druzhkivka, Kramatorsk, and Sloviansk.
On April 21, Nazar Voloshyn, spokesman for Khortytsia operational and strategic troop grouping, said that Ukrainian Armed Forces are in control of situation in Chasiv Yar. There are no Russians in town.
He also reported that about 20-25 thousand Russian troops were trying to storm Chasiv Yar and surrounding area.
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