Russia's Advance: The Strategic Capture of Chasiv Yar

On Thursday, Russia announced the capture of Chasiv Yar in eastern Ukraine, following a grueling 16-month-long battle.

Should this claim hold true, it signifies a pivotal achievement for Moscow's military, potentially setting the stage for an advance towards important 'fortress' cities within the Donetsk region, namely Kostiantynivka, Sloviansk, and Kramatorsk. As of Thursday morning, Ukraine's general staff reported Russian attacks near Chasiv Yar.

According to DeepState, a Ukrainian mapping platform, Ukrainian forces controlled the town's western portion. The conflict commenced in April last year, with Russian paratroopers initially reaching the town's eastern perimeter. Russian state media previously reported attempts by Russian soldiers to negotiate surrender with Ukrainian counterparts in the town, under threat of aerial bombardment.

Chasiv Yar, now desolated, was once home to over 12,000 people, with its economy rooted in manufacturing reinforced concrete and clay products. It's located just west of Bakhmut, captured by Russia in 2023 following an intensely lethal battle.

(With inputs from agencies.)