Chasiv Yar, just ten kilometers west of Bakhmut, is widely seen as Russia’s next target on the Ukrainian frontlines. Analysts say Moscow is trying to push home its advantage before fresh U.S. aid can make a difference.

Chasiv Yar

Russian forces have invaded Ukraine from land, air and sea with strikes causing widespread damage. Global leaders have condemned the move and imposed sanctions.

Ukraine Invasion

Russia has intensified its military presence around Chasiv Yar, a strategic location just ten kilometers west of Bakhmut, positioning it as a crucial target in the ongoing conflict on the Ukrainian frontlines. Analysts have interpreted this move as an attempt by Moscow to capitalize on its current advantageous position before the impact of new U.S. aid to Ukraine is felt.

In the vicinity of Chasiv Yar, the threat from Russian drones is constant, with Ukrainian units specifically tasked with countering them. Despite their efforts, the effectiveness of these units has been hampered by a series of challenges, including the high-flying drones that evade gunfire and limited protection from enemy shells. The anecdotal experiences of these soldiers, including their interactions with pets responsive to the dangers, underline the harsh reality of their situation.

Reporting from the ground indicates a dire state of affairs for Ukrainian forces, characterized by a lack of sufficient armament to effectively counter Russian military advances. Recent developments have seen Ukrainian forces pulling back from key positions, while Russian troops have succeeded in capturing villages, gaining ground. The disparity in firepower has become a significant concern, with assessments suggesting that Russian forces are outgunning Ukrainians significantly.

The delivery of U.S. aid, valued at $60 billion, has been eagerly anticipated by Ukrainian forces as a potential turning point. However, delays in receiving this support have led to frustration among the troops, who feel outgunned and undersupplied. The urgency of the situation is amplified by reports of high casualty rates attributed to the lag in Western support, and rumors of a Russian objective to seize Chasov Yar by a significant national holiday further escalate tensions on the ground.



Russia amasses troops around Chasiv Yar

Anything less than breakneck speed is just too risky on these roads. We're heading towards Chasiv Yar. With Russian troops now just a few kilometres away, Russian drones overhead are a constant threat. This Ukrainian commander's unit has been tasked with shooting them down. A week or two ago was the last time we downed a drone. The last time we got a Lancet drone was more than three weeks ago. The weather's been good. They're flying too high. You can't hit them with our guns. A hedgerow and a shallow dugout are as much cover as these men have. This counts as a quiet day around here. Often enough, the shells are much closer. Look over there. That's where a shell hit last night. And another one came in about 100 metres further. It was about 1.30 in the morning. The shrapnel came flying past. The crater was pretty small, but there was a lot of shrapnel. Not everyone can ignore the noise. The unit's dog spends most of her time hiding. Palich tells us they used to have a cat that showed little sign of being scared. It was only later, when the cat was run over by a car, they realised there was a reason the cat had managed to stay so calm. It was deaf. Out here, exposed to drones and shells, and fighting with a previous generation's leftover weapons, it's hard to believe that $60 billion worth of US aid is now on its way. We'll believe the aid is coming when we see it for ourselves. We can't see or feel any difference yet. For now, we've been withdrawing from places like Avdiivka, and the Russians have been taking villages. We haven't been able to turn things around yet. All the talk here is about shells, or rather the lack of them. In 2023, regular Western deliveries allowed Ukraine to briefly close the gap in firepower with Russia. No longer. Ukrainian military command says Russia is outgunning its troops 5 or 6 to 1. We here believe the true figure is closer to 10 to 1. Suddenly, there's activity on the radios. I ask whether I correctly understood that a Russian Lanset drone had hit a Ukrainian target. Yes, it was a hit. It found its target. They've got their reconnaissance drones up there all the time. They find a target and attack straight away. Holding out, outgunned by Russia and undersupplied by the West, has come at a price. If the aid had come on time, things would have been very different. Because of the delays, many, many good men have died. It's a rare moment of reflection. Russia is acutely aware of rumours that Vladimir Putin has ordered his generals to take Chasov Yar by Russia's May 9 Victory Day holiday. And if anyone's going to stop them, it's these soldiers.

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Ukraine Invasion