As the Russian army approaches Pokrovsk, Ukrainian forces are fighting for control of the small but strategically situated town of Chasiv Yar in the Donbas. Meet some of the Ukrainian servicemen who are defending it.

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

Ukrainian soldiers are currently engaged in defending Chasiv Yar, a strategically important town in the Donbas, as Russian forces approach Pokrovsk. Ukrainian infantrymen attribute their ability to hold the town significantly to the use of kamikaze drones. The men emphasize the relentless nature of the conflict, highlighting the importance of constant vigilance due to the omnipresent danger.

Since early July, the Russian offensive in this area has been halted at a canal on Chasiv Yar's eastern edge. Despite the pressure, the Ukrainian servicemen stress the necessity of defending the town, citing the broader goal of reclaiming and rebuilding the entire Donbas region. The soldiers describe the significant challenge of maintaining morale and energy amidst the continuous conflict, but express a firm resolve to persist in their efforts.



Ukrainian soldiers defend Chasiv Yar as fighting intensifies

A Ukrainian kamikaze drone homes in on a Russian position near Chesyvyar. It's largely thanks to drones, these men say, that Ukraine still holds Chesyvyar, or what's left of it. Despite these macabre scenes, the men insist Chesyvyar is worth defending. Since early July, the Russian offensive in this part of Donbass has been stopped at the canal that runs along the eastern edge of Chesyvyar. These are infantrymen defending the town on the ground. They've just arrived at this rest and recuperation centre for a break. The Russian pressure is relentless, they say, despite the failure to advance. You have to be careful, you have to look under your feet, because it's dangerous. If you hear something, you can get hurt. You have to be on alert all the time. You have to be careful all the time. It's all in Russian. You don't have a moment of peace. It's very comforting if you can rest for a couple of days from these sounds. We'll keep on fighting. If we keep on resting, we'll be left without our land. Afonia's hometown is already occupied by Russia. The Sloviansk region, Sverdonetsk. I swear to God. Sverdonetsk is a good town. And Solidar, if anyone has been there, the salt mines. It's like another city. The hotel rooms. Right in the salt? Everything. These men still hope not just to hold on to the part of Donbass that's still under Ukrainian control, but to win back and rebuild the whole region.

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Ukraine Invasion