20-25000 Russian troops attempting to move west from Bakhmut

An estimated 20 000 to 25 000 Russian troops have been storming the town of Chasiv Yar in the Donetsk region. The town lies 10 km west of Russian-controlled Bhakmut - a focal point of fighting in 2023. 

Ukrainian soldiers at the front in Chasiv Yar take a moment to thank the US for aid package.

Photo: X/UdaUkrainian

Russian troops have been attempting to move west in the Donetsk region, attacking the small town of Chasiv Yar. 

The town has already suffered considerable destruction:

Chasiv Yar this morning.. pic.twitter.com/pnH5fvLz5n

— Ukraine - Combat Footage Archive 🇬🇪 🇺🇦 (@Bodbe6) April 23, 2024

According to the Ukrainian military, Russia's medium-term goal in this area are the regional capital Kramatorsk as well as Kostiantynivka and Sloviansk.

Chasiv Yar is located 10 km west of Bakhmut 50 km north of Avdiivka, both towns bitterly fought over in 2023-24 and currently under Russian control.

Zelensky has said that Russia is also looking to achieve a symbolic victory ahead of the May World War II Victory celebrations:

⚡️Russia plans to capture the town of #ChasivYar, located west of the Russian-occupied city of #Bakhmut, #Donetsk region, on May 9, the day Russia commemorates Victory Day in World War II, President Volodymyr #Zelensky said in an interview with NBC News. pic.twitter.com/2cMU3skLNR

— KyivPost (@KyivPost) April 22, 2024

Once again there have been reports of Russia using chemical weapons in its attempts on Chasiv Yar:

Yet more reports of Russia using chemical weapons, this time in an ongoing attempt to take the village of Ocheretyne near Chasiv Yar.

Ukraine says the situation is "difficult".https://t.co/2BCh0v9H7W

— Chris York (@ChrisDYork) April 23, 2024

Sources: Kyiv Independent, Kyiv Post, X

pt