Estonian military doubts Russia's ability to capture Chasiv Yar by May 9
The Estonian military has expressed doubts about Russia's ability to capture the strategic town of Chasiv Yar in Donetsk Oblast by the upcoming May 9 deadline, according to Toomas Väli, deputy head of operations at the Estonian Defense Forces Headquarters.
"They will not take it by May 9," Väli stated. He described the Russian progress as slow, noting, "Seeing as they've only gone 10 kilometers after Avdiivka, moving perhaps 5 kilometers in one go, they won't get to Chasiv Yar at this pace."
Väli pointed out the complexities of urban warfare, explaining that similar battles in the region have dragged on for months. "Taking Avdiivka or, say, Bakhmut took several months. So it is unlikely," he commented.
Read also: Russia scrambles for Chasiv Yar – military observer
The situation on the eastern front has seen significant developments, with Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, reporting worsening conditions as of April 13. Recent movements include Russian efforts at Bohdanivka and near Chasiv Yar, although claims of Bohdanivka's occupation have been disputed by the Defense Ministry.
Read also: Russia redeploys armor towards Mariinka and Chasiv Yar in Donetsk Oblast
Further, Nazar Voloshyn, a spokesman for the Khortytsia operational and strategic troop grouping, noted on April 23 that Russian forces are determined to capture Ivanivske and the outskirts of Bohdanivka to break through to Chasiv Yar. He estimated that 20,000-25,000 Russian soldiers were involved in the efforts around Chasiv Yar.
Despite these intensified efforts, Ukrainian forces maintain control over significant portions of the contested areas. The U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War reported that although Russian forces had placed a flag in Ocheretyne, they had not fully secured the village.
Read also: Russian forces trying to clear way for Chasiv Yar seizure at all costs, Ukrainian military says
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