Ukrainian Forces Continue To Hold Chasiv Yar Despite Increased "Meat Assaults"

Ukrainian forces continue to hold Chasiv Yar despite an increased tempo of Russian assaults driven by Kremlin demands that it be taken by May 9 which is Russia's WWII victory day. 

The Ukrainians are inflicting casualties reminiscent of other blood-bath battles earlier the way. The Russians are desperately trying to make any gains they can before NATO aid begins to arrive at scale. JL 

New Voice of Ukraine reports:

Russian military tactics include "meat assaults" on the town and nearby areas like Bohdanivka and Ivanivske, indicating a disregard for their own troop losses. Despite these aggressive moves, Ukrainian defenders have fortified a second line of defense near Chasiv Yar and remain prepared to combat further advances. "The enemy has been continuously trying to break through our lines, employing both aviation and artillery to destroy Chasiv Yar and its surrounding settlements. However, their efforts have not been successful." Approximately 20,000-25,000 Russian troops are actively engaged in the assault on Chasiv Yar

Russian invasion forces continue to storm Chasiv Yar and surrounding settlements in Donetsk Oblast, Nazar Voloshyn, spokesman for the Khortytsia troop grouping, told news agency Interfax-Ukraine on May 2.

Voloshyn refuted claims that Russian troops have reached the crucial Siverskyi Donets-Donbas canal, describing such reports as inaccurate. "The enemy has been continuously trying to break through our lines, employing both aviation and artillery to destroy Chasiv Yar and its surrounding settlements. However, their efforts have not been successful," he emphasized.\

 

The spokesperson detailed that Russian military tactics include "meat assaults" on the town and nearby areas like Bohdanivka and Ivanivske, indicating a disregard for their own troop losses. Despite these aggressive moves, Ukrainian defenders have fortified a second line of defense near Chasiv Yar and remain prepared to combat further advances.

"The enemy's use of scorched earth tactics aims to obliterate our platoons, strongholds, and the town itself, to weaken our defensive positions. Nonetheless, our forces are ready and determined to fight back," Voloshyn added.

The battle for Chasiv Yar is critical as it represents a key logistic route. Success for Russian forces in capturing the town could potentially open the pathway for an offensive towards the Kramatorsk agglomeration, including targets like Kostyantynivka, Druzhkivka, Slovyansk, and Kramatorsk. Ukrainian military strategists believe that holding Chasiv Yar is vital for preventing further Russian territorial gains.

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In April, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, indicated that Russian military leaders had ordered the capture of Chasiv Yar by May 9. The Institute for the Study of War also noted that Russian tactics observed in the capture of Avdiivka are being replicated in Chasiv Yar, with intensive bombings and airstrikes challenging Ukrainian defenses.

As of April 21, Voloshyn reported that approximately 20,000-25,000 Russian troops were actively engaged in the assault on Chasiv Yar and its vicinity, underscoring the intense military activity in the region. General Syrskyi also confirmed a recent escalation at the front, with Ukrainian forces adjusting their positions westward in response to Russian advancements.