Russia has a force of 20,000-25,000 troops trying to invade the city of Chasiv Yar in the eastern Ukraine and in the surrounding villages, the Ukrainian army reported today, describing the situation in the area as difficult.
Ukraine is in full control of Chasiv Yar, which sits on a strategic hill in the partially occupied Donetsk region, but Kiev’s top military commander said the Russia seeks to capture the city by May 9, when the Soviet Union’s World War II Victory Day is celebrated.
“The situation around the city is very difficult, but the situation is under control… Our defenders are strengthening and stabilizing the line,” said Nazar Volosin, a spokesman for the eastern military command.
“There are somewhere between 20,000 and 25,000 Russian soldiers trying to invade Chasiv Yar and the nearby settlements,” he told Suspilne public television.
The capture of Chasiv Yar will bring Russia closer to two strategically important cities under Ukrainian control, Kramatorsk and Slavyansk.
Russian forces have made territorial gains of late, while long-delayed US military aid is expected to arrive in Ukraine within days of its expected final approval this week.
“It is difficult for our soldiers, but receiving the necessary help will balance the situation,” President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a Telegram post.
