Ukraine announced the withdrawal of its forces from a district in Chasiv Yar on Thursday, following recent advances by Russian forces in the key eastern town. The fall of Chasiv Yar is concerning as it could hasten Russian progress towards major civilian centers in the broader Donetsk region.
A Ukrainian military spokesman stated on state television that the decision to retreat from the Kanal district was made due to the threat it posed to soldiers’ lives and well-being. Russia had previously claimed advances around Chasiv Yar, but it was uncertain if its forces had crossed a canal in the town.
Chasiv Yar, once a small hilltop town with 12,000 residents, is located near important military centers like Kostyantynivka and Kramatorsk. The industrial Donetsk region, which the Kremlin claims as part of Russia, has experienced heavy fighting following the Russian invasion in February 2022.
Since 2014, Kremlin-backed separatist forces have held control over parts of Donetsk.
