Russian forces edge closer to Bakhmut in Chasiv Yar offensive
Russian troops have advanced to the outer houses of the Kanal neighborhood in Chasiv Yar, the part of the city nearest to Bakhmut, according to reports from publication Ukrayinska Pravda and video footage from the Bakhmut Demon Telegram channel dated July 9.
Over the last week, the area has endured over 1,500 varied attacks, stretching from the northern to the southern suburbs of Chasiv Yar, a source told Ukrayinska Pravda. "Many positions are being destroyed by the Soncepyok, a Russian multiple launch rocket system that uses thermobaric munitions, and guided air bombs to secure Russian logistics along the O0506 road," the source explained. This strategic route connects Bakhmut to Chasiv Yar via Khromove.
The Russian military has also utilized suicide drones for cover as they continue to advance and build up forces in the area. Despite these advances, the center of the city remains securely under the control of the Ukrainian Army.
A video shared by the Bakhmut Demon Telegram channel, allegedly captured by a drone, depicts four soldiers in military uniforms navigating the rubble-strewn landscape of Chasiv Yar, moving in pairs from one bomb-damaged building to another.
The video is captioned, "Russians in the New neighborhood of Chasiv Yar."
Situation in Chasiv Yar sector
Russia's top military leadership had set a task for its soldiers to capture the town west of Bakhmut, Chasiv Yar, by May 9, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, said back in April.
The enemy is concentrating its efforts to break through the defense and gain access to the Siverskyi Donets-Donbas canal to create conditions for further advancement toward the Kramatorsk agglomeration.
The U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported on April 10 that in an attempt to make their way to Chasiv Yar, the Russians are resorting to tactics that helped them capture Avdiivka. The positions of Ukrainian defenders are being intensively pounded by guided aerial bombs and fire from warplanes and helicopters.
If the Russians succeed in capturing Chasiv Yar, they will launch an offensive against Kostiantynivka, Druzhkivka, Kramatorsk and Slovyansk, the Ukrainian military says.
General Syrskyi confirmed on April 28 that the situation at the front had escalated. Ukrainian units withdrew to the west of Berdychi, Semenivka and Novomykhailivka.
The Institute for the Study of War reported on May 22 that Russia used the operation in the north of Kharkiv Oblast to intensify a dangerous offensive on Chasiv Yar.
ISW on May 23 wrote that Ukrainian Armed Forces recaptured some positions in the Chasiv Yar area.
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