Ukraine shares update on heightened tensions near crucial location Chassiv Yar.
East of Ukraine, tensions are high near the strategically vital city of Tschassiw Jar, where the Ukrainian military has reported heavy clashes in the nearby town of Iwaniwske. "Two battles are still ongoing near Iwaniwske. The situation remains tense," a military representative shared.
The capture of Tschassiw Jar would signal a significant achievement for Russia in their push towards Kramatorsk in the heavily contested Donezk region. This week, a spokesperson told AFP that Russia is attempting to set up a base in the city, but has failed thus far. The Ukrainian army is finding it a challenge to defend the area, though.
The representative admitted, "The enemy is deploying all resources - drones, artillery, troops." He further stressed, "Ukraine needs long-range weapons, advanced artillery, and more drones of all types. They're on the way, but not in sufficient amounts."
Meanwhile, further south in Donezk, one civilian was reportedly killed in an attack near Pokrowsk. Since the start of the conflict, Donezk has experienced the most intense fighting. However, in May, Russia shifted their focus to the Charkiw region in the northwest, launching a ground offensive.
The governor of Charkiw, Oleg Synegubow, shared on Thursday that 11,670 people have already been evacuated due to the advancing Russian forces and that evacuations had started around Solotschiw. Currently, Russia is in control of approximately 18% of Ukraine's territory.
