Attempts to capture end in failure: Ukraine's Forces explain Russian 'performances' in Chasiv Yar
Photo: Chasiv Yar completely destroyed after 15 months of continuous fighting (Getty Images)
Russian forces claim to have allegedly captured Chasiv Yar in the Donetsk region and are showing videos featuring their "flags." However, in reality, this is a propaganda stunt that has cost the Russian army many lives, according to the 11th Army Corps of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, whose units are holding the defense in Chasiv Yar.
The military noted that over three days — July 27, 28, and 29 — the Russian forces attempted to demonstratively raise their "rags" in various areas of Chasiv Yar during daylight hours. For this, Russian "volunteers" were reportedly promised short-term leave by their commanders.
"The occupiers raised tricolors near the refractory plant, which has not physically been under Ukrainian control for some time, as well as in the temporarily occupied area of the Pivnichnyi district," the press service of the 11th Army Corps stated.
During one attempt to raise a "rag" near the Shevchenko neighborhood, Russian troops shelled Ukrainian positions with artillery.
"Such 'performances' by Russian soldiers were staged for video recording and are likely part of internal propaganda efforts," the statement reads.
Moreover, on the morning of July 30, Russian forces attempted to storm Ukrainian positions with two assault groups, each consisting of six personnel. The groups were supported by two armored vehicles.
"However, the assault failed — one of the groups, which included at least three women, was stopped on the eastern outskirts of Chasiv Yar, in the Pivnichnyi district. Both armored vehicles were destroyed, and the personnel who tried to take cover in nearby buildings suffered significant losses," the report said.
The Corps emphasized that despite Russian propaganda claims, Chasiv Yar remains under the control of Ukrainian Armed Forces units. In particular, the 24th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after King Danylo is holding the defense in the area, inflicting heavy losses on Russian forces and repelling their attempts to advance.
Battle for Chasiv Yar
Chasiv Yar holds strategic importance for transportation routes between Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk regions. If occupied, the city would allow Russian forces to advance toward Kramatorsk.
The battle for Chasiv Yar effectively began back in April 2024. After more than a year of fighting, Russian troops have still failed to fully capture the city. Due to constant shelling and bombings, Chasiv Yar, like Toretsk and many other Ukrainian cities, has been almost completely destroyed.
Amid ongoing failures and heavy losses, the Russian Ministry of Defense attempted on July 31 to claim that Chasiv Yar had allegedly been captured. The Khortytsia operational-strategic group mocked the Russian statements and debunked their lies.
More on the defense of one of Donetsk region’s key cities can be found in the RBC-Ukraine report Frontline youth: Inside the volunteer defense of Chasiv Yar.
