Russia said it has seized the eastern Ukrainian town of Chasiv Yar after 16 months of heavy fighting, which could potentially pave the way for further advances toward key cities in the Donetsk region.
Russia's Defence Ministry in a brief statement said its forces had "liberated" the town. A Ukrainian military spokesperson dismissed the claim as "propaganda," but video footage shared by a Russian airborne unit, and later verified by Reuters, appeared to show Russian troops raising both a paratrooper banner and the national flag over ruins in the town.
Meanwhile, Russian forces are also reportedly intensifying attacks near Pokrovsk, a city about 60 kilometres southwest of Chasiv Yar. With ceasefire talks stalled, U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that new sanctions targeting Russia and its trade partners could be introduced as early as next week.
Military analyst Emil Kastehelmi, co-founder of the Finland-based Black Bird Group, said the fall of Chasiv Yar, if confirmed, could open the way for a broader Russian advance that could lay the groundwork for further advances toward other strategic cities in eastern Ukraine.
"The terrain of Chasiv Yar has favoured the defender," he told Reuters. "Forested areas, waterways, hills and a varied building stock have enabled Ukraine to conduct a defensive operation lasting over a year, in which the Russians have made minimal monthly progress."
Kastehalmi said: "The fall of the city to the enemy is nevertheless a challenging situation for Ukraine, as it will bring the Russians closer to Kostiantynivka, which Russia is now approaching from several directions."
Chasiv Yar, positioned west of Bakhmut, which Russia captured in 2023, has served as a frontline barrier protecting a cluster of major eastern cities, including Sloviansk and Kramatorsk.
Fighting for Chasiv Yar escalated in April last year, when Russian airborne units pushed into the town's eastern outskirts. Russian media later claimed their forces had issued surrender demands to Ukrainian troops inside, warning of airstrikes if they refused.
Once home to more than 12,000 people, Chasiv Yar is now largely destroyed.
Its pre-war economy centred on construction materials, including reinforced concrete and clay bricks, an industrial base now left in ruins by months of artillery fire.
California lawmakers have fast-tracked a redistricting plan giving Democrats a potential five-seat gain in Congress, with Governor Gavin Newsom signin...
The U.S. National Guard has been deployed across Washington, D.C. following President Trump’s declaration of a public safety emergency, as federal a...
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un praised troops who fought for Russia in Ukraine, calling them "heroic" during a ceremony honoring soldiers of the army...
The U.S. State Department confirmed that all 55 million visa holders are under continuous review, with potential revocations for security or legal vio...
Adidas executives personally visited a small Indigenous town in southern Mexico to apologize for a shoe design criticised as cultural appropriation, p...
California lawmakers have fast-tracked a redistricting plan giving Democrats a potential five-seat gain in Congress, with Governor Gavin Newsom signing the measure on Thursday to counter Republican efforts in Texas.
The U.S. National Guard has been deployed across Washington, D.C. following President Trump’s declaration of a public safety emergency, as federal authorities continue efforts to reduce crime and secure the capital.
Adidas executives personally visited a small Indigenous town in southern Mexico to apologize for a shoe design criticised as cultural appropriation, pledging future collaboration to respect local heritage.
A powerful eruption at Japan’s Shinmoedake volcano sent an ash plume more than 3,000 metres high on Sunday morning, prompting safety warnings from authorities.
According to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), a magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck the Oaxaca region of Mexico on Saturday.
The UK is gearing up for Exercise Pegasus 2025, its largest pandemic readiness test since COVID-19. Running from September to November, this full-scale simulation will challenge the country's response to a fast-moving respiratory outbreak.
Honduras has brought back mask mandates as COVID-19 cases and a new variant surge nationwide.
Kuwait says oil prices will likely stay below $72 per barrel as OPEC monitors global supply trends and U.S. policy signals. The remarks come during market uncertainty fueled by new U.S. tariffs on India and possible sanctions on Russia.
California lawmakers have fast-tracked a redistricting plan giving Democrats a potential five-seat gain in Congress, with Governor Gavin Newsom signing the measure on Thursday to counter Republican efforts in Texas.
The U.S. National Guard has been deployed across Washington, D.C. following President Trump’s declaration of a public safety emergency, as federal authorities continue efforts to reduce crime and secure the capital.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un praised troops who fought for Russia in Ukraine, calling them "heroic" during a ceremony honoring soldiers of the army's overseas operations.
The U.S. State Department confirmed that all 55 million visa holders are under continuous review, with potential revocations for security or legal violations.
Bangladesh and Pakistan have agreed to allow visa-free travel for holders of diplomatic and official passports, marking a major step in restoring relations after decades of restrictions.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment