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War in Ukraine: Chassiv Iar, another city disfigured by the fighting
War in Ukraine: Chassiv Iar, another city disfigured by the fighting
(franceinfo)
Like other Ukrainian cities, Chasiv Yar has become a field of ruins. Russia is asserting its superiority in the air, and is gradually gaining ground. It could capture the city and push a little deeper into Donbass.
Before the war, it was a bucolic town surrounded by greenery. From now on, the name of Tchassiv Iar is added to that of Bakhmut or Mariupol, martyr cities that have become fields of ruins in Ukraine. For two months, the Russians have intensified their offensive on this strategic city. If they seize it, they could advance deep into western Donbass. A team from France Télévisions entered there, with the commander of brigade 41.
In the sky, the Russians have the advantage
The west of the city, still held by the Ukrainians, bears the scars of weeks of bombing. The Russians are 3 kilometers away. Tchassiv Iar had 12,000 inhabitants, today a few dozen remain. To capture this high-altitude city, the Russians are using their guided gliding bombs and drones. They have the advantage in the sky and inflict heavy losses on the Ukrainians.
For the latter, time is running out: while American aid is planned for June, Russian forces are nibbling away throughout the Donbass. Moscow would have massed at least 20,000 men there, determined to claim this symbolic triumph for May 9, the date of the victory over Nazi Germany.
